| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| March 8, 2002 | Sandra Whalen (651-296-5529) |
[NOTE TO EDITOR: Rep. Stanek will being touring the site of the World Trade Center collapse this weekend (March 10) with a group of state lawmakers from around the country as part of a National Conference of State Legislators task force to discuss anti-terrorism legislation in the states. If you would like to follow-up after the meeting please call 651-296-5529. ]
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(ST. PAUL) -- Just days before the six-month anniversary of America's worst terrorist attack, the Minnesota House Judiciary Finance Committee passed a comprehensive crime prevention package that targets terrorist who may be among us and gives needed tools to state and local law enforcement and public safety personnel.
The Minnesota Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, sponsored by House Judiciary Finance Chair Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove) and Crime Prevention Chair John Tuma (R-Northfield), was the product of public hearings and meetings with state and local crime prevention leaders during the past few months. The authors additionally put several long-term plans-- like CriMNet, the statewide network for sharing criminal information-- on the fast track.
Stanek, with state lawmakers from around the country, is touring the "Ground Zero" site in New York City this weekend. The group is sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislators and gives state leaders an opportunity to meet and discuss their own anti-terrorism efforts.
"This was a difficult year because of economic and budget problems, so it was a difficult task to prioritize the Minnesota's many needs," Stanek said. "But I think we found a responsible level of spending that also meets law enforcement's most urgent needs."
Tuma agreed. As chair of the Crime Prevention committee, his goals were more policy oriented.
"There have been too many loopholes that let criminals slip through the system and sensitive information fall into dangerous hands," he said. "This is a well-planned, comprehensive package that should stop some would-be terrorists and punish others that seek to terrorize with threats."
Following are some of the features of the plan: Surveillance & privacy laws: Allows a wiretap to be issued for a specific person rather than phone, and expands wiretapping authority to keep up with technology improvements such as cell phones and the Internet. Exceptions are created for Open Meeting Laws to allow entities to discuss sensitive security issues. Licenses & background checks: Clarifies and allows only temporary drivers licenses to temporary residents. Enhances background checks for hazardous materials drivers, private security guards, and others in sensitive occupations.
Crime & punishment: Increases penalties for trespassing at public utilities. Creates new crimes to deal with terrorism, including a general crime of terrorism, using weapons of mass destruction, malicious placement of explosives, and tougher penalties for hoaxes, threats and obstruction of justice. Increases the penalties for making bomb and chemical/biological threats. Increase penalties for falsely reporting a crime. Creates a gross misdemeanor penalty for trespassing on the property of a power plant, nuclear facility, water-treatment plant, telecommunications facilities and transportation facilities.
Information finding & sharing: Studies the tagging of explosives. Creates a registry of biological pathogens accessible to public safety officials. Continues support for the criminal justice integrated information system (CriMNet). Adds a DNA "genetic fingerprint" registry for all convicted felons. Creates a "United We Stand" Minnesota auto-license plate to help fund terrorism efforts.
Equipment & tools: Funds purchase of protective, chemical and decontamination for first-response units. Reinstates HAZMAT teams in Rochester, Duluth, and Moorhead, and upgrades St. Cloud's chemical assessment team to a HAZMAT team.
Training: Finances training for first responders and leaders of a multi-jurisdictional response to a terrorism incident.
Other: Provides for Capitol Security Improvements and two new permanent State Troopers at the Capitol. HF2622, the Minnesota Anti-terrorism Act of 2002, should be scheduled for a full House vote in the Ways & Means Committee next week.
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