Lawmakers Back Higher Penalities, Costs For ‘Terroristic Threats’

November 23, 2015

People found guilty of making “terroristic threats” will face greater charges and have to pay for the fire-rescue and law-enforcement response, as well as any costs if public transportation is used for an evacuation, under a bill (HB 257) that received support  from the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

The proposal by Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, would make it a felony for calling in a threat.

“Currently under Florida law, terroristic threats are only punishable as a criminal mischief or disturbing the peace,” Smith said. “However, as we have seen across the nation these threats of violence must be taken seriously and require a law-enforcement response.”

A similar measure (SB 436) by Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, has yet to be scheduled for any of its three planned committee appearances.

by The News Service of Florida

Comments

Comments are closed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News