WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 675

Crimes and offenses; criminal offenses related to material support of terrorism; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brent Cox and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 675 criminalizes providing material support for terrorism in Georgia, imposing up to 20 years in prison, while protecting civil rights during investigations.

House Withdrawn, Recommitted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 675

Summary of House Bill 675: Crimes and Offenses Related to Material Support of Terrorism

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 675
- Title: Crimes and offenses; criminal offenses related to material support of terrorism; provide
- Status: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 675 aims to amend Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, focusing on offenses against public order and safety. The bill seeks to establish criminal offenses related to the provision of material support for terrorism, define relevant terms, and outline penalties for violations. It also intends to create guidelines for law enforcement investigations to ensure the protection of civil rights and liberties.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new article (Article 7) that includes the following key provisions:

Definitions

  • Act of Terrorism: Defined as violent acts dangerous to human life that violate U.S. or state laws, intended to intimidate or coerce civilians or influence government policy.
  • Material Support or Resources: Encompasses a wide range of support, including financial resources, training, and personnel, but excludes medicine or religious materials.
  • Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization: Refers to organizations designated as such under federal law.

Criminal Offenses

  • Felony Charges: Individuals can face felony charges punishable by up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $100,000 for:

    • Providing material support for terrorism.
    • Concealing the nature or ownership of such support.
    • Attempting or conspiring to commit these acts.

  • Knowledge Requirement: To be charged, individuals must have knowledge that their actions support a designated foreign terrorist organization or involve acts of terrorism.

Prosecution Guidelines

  • Individuals acting independently to advance a terrorist organization's goals are not considered to be working under its direction.
  • Activities authorized by government agencies or legal services provided by attorneys are exempt from prosecution under this article.

Legislative Intent

The bill emphasizes that its provisions should align with federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. Sections 2339A and 2339B, and Executive Order 14157 as of March 6, 2025.

Impact

The legislation would primarily affect individuals and organizations involved in providing material support to terrorist activities. It aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute such offenses while ensuring that civil liberties are respected.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • February 28, 2025: Bill read for the second time in the House.
  • March 6, 2025: House Committee favorably reported the bill by substitute.
  • April 4, 2025: Bill withdrawn and recommitted in the House.

Conclusion

House Bill 675 seeks to strengthen Georgia's legal framework against terrorism by criminalizing material support for terrorist activities and establishing clear definitions and penalties. The bill's progress will continue to be monitored as it undergoes further legislative review.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.