Virginia House Bill HB1650

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/25
• Refer: 1/3/25

Caption

Virginia Antiterrorism Act established; civil penalties.

Impact

The legislation significantly impacts lawmakers' and the public's understanding of terrorism, expanding the grounds on which individuals can seek legal recourse for acts of terrorism. It empowers the Attorney General to initiate investigations and issue civil penalties against those who conduct prohibited transactions or provide material support to terrorists. Civil penalties can reach up to $20,000 per transaction or the fair market value of the material support, making the stakes significant for potential defendants.

Summary

House Bill 1650, known as the Virginia Antiterrorism Act, seeks to amend existing laws regarding acts of terrorism and establish a framework for civil penalties related to such actions. The bill specifically adds a new chapter to the Code of Virginia, defining acts of terrorism, material support, prohibited transactions, and terrorist sponsors. Notably, it allows individuals or estates affected by terrorism to file lawsuits against those providing material support, directly addressing the need for accountability in such scenarios.

Contention

Debates around HB1650 likely focus on the balance between national security and civil liberties. Critics may argue that expanding the definition of material support and the types of transactions that can be punished could lead to overreach and unlawful prosecutions. Supporters, however, assert that holding individuals and entities accountable for enabling terrorists is critical to maintaining public safety and preventing further attacks. Overall, the bill aims to bolster Virginia's response to terrorism while raising challenges regarding its implications for due process and civil rights.