October 18, 2001

Citing the need to protect Americans from further possible terrorist attacks, State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R- Des Plaines) lauded the new anti-terrorism legislation initiated by Attorney General Jim Ryan. The legislation aims at aiding state and local police in their efforts toward thwarting possible terrorist attacks.

" It is of critical concern that, as a state, we are able to deter, prevent and prosecute any and all threats or acts of terrorism in our cities and towns." Mulligan said. "These new tools will give our state and local law enforcement the ability to do the job we so desperately need them to do."

Ryan's legislation, which echoes sentiments expressed by U.S. Attorney General Ashcroft that terrorists are undoubtedly still living in the U.S., would provide more tools for law enforcement to apprehend suspected terrorists. Furthermore, it would expand the ability to prosecute these individuals on a state and local level.

"We must use every tool available to prevent the mass murders of thousands of Illinois citizens," Ryan said. "We should put aside any partisan differences and try to enact these measures as quickly as possible."
The legislation would create an anti-terrorism statute with both criminal and civil provisions, the goal of which would be to prevent terror attacks before they occur.

As indicated, the legislation:

· Gives the State the ability, for the first time, to acquire intelligence via wiretaps for suspected acts of terrorism.
· Amends wiretap authority to apply to the individual, rather than the phone line, so terrorists can't thwart law enforcement by using multiple phones.
· Allows the Attorney General to seek an immediate order freezing the assets of suspected terrorists, requires banks or financial institutions to freeze funds they find to be used for terrorism, and makes it a criminal and civil violation to financially help terrorists, subject to prison terms and civil forfeiture.
· Allows for swifter search warrants in terrorism cases by allowing telephone or oral court approval instead of written approval.
· Allows for the Attorney General to prosecute terrorism cases through the Statewide Grand Jury.
· Requires those convicted of terrorists-related acts to submit blood to the confidential statewide DNA database.
· Limits the ability of non-resident aliens to acquire a state Firearm Owners Identification Card.
· Creates the new class X offense of terrorism with penalties of 20 years to natural life and mandatory natural life when death is caused. Establishes terrorism as a qualifying factor for the death penalty.
· Creates new Class X offenses of Solicitation of Material Support for Terrorism and Making a Terrorist Threat.
For more information, please contact State Representative Rosemary Mulligan at (847) 297-6533.