New Terror Laws for NJ

Those who carry out terror attacks or aid the attackers can now be prosecuted in New Jersey and face the death penalty if there are fatalities. Gov. James E. McGreevey signed a new law Tuesday that makes terrorism a specific crime under state law.

Lawmakers said the state needed the measure to ensure terrorists face justice if federal laws fail.

Added penalties for those who give money to terrorists or hide them will allow prosecutors to target possible witnesses or informants.

"This is a new tool in an arsenal," said Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Flicker, the state's head of homeland security. "Knowing it's there will give prosecutors added ammunition that will make a tremendous difference."

The new law increases penalties for damaging nuclear plants and for perpetrators of terror-related hoaxes, expands wiretapping abilities for law enforcement and removes the statute of limitations for terror crimes.

The law also increases penalties for existing crimes if they are linked to terrorism.

Anyone convicted of terrorism would serve at least 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole. If the terrorist act resulted in death, the minimum penalty would be life in prison without parole.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP