Nevada's Assembly speaker introduces terrorism bill

Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins introduced legislation Thursday that would enact sweeping anti-terrorism laws in Nevada.

AB250 by the Democratic speaker creates several definitions of terrorist acts that are similar to wording in AB99, a Republican-sponsored anti-terrorism proposal.

Perkins' measure would define terrorism as any act using sabotage fear or violence to influence government, cause panic to civilian populations or retaliate against a government by destroying property or natural resources, among other definitions.

The bill makes it illegal to commit, conceal or assist acts of terrorism. It also doubles prison terms for people convicted under the act and makes them pay restitution to each victim, the state and any local government.

AB250 also adds committing an act of terrorism to the list of aggravating factors for first-degree murder, making terrorists eligible for the death penalty.

Perkins, D-Henderson, said he thinks the measure will find support in the Assembly.

"I'm confident that with my background in law enforcement and having served on this national terrorism task force for a year ... I'll be able to have some persuasive ability on the committee," Perkins said. "I just believe in the need for these provisions."

AB99, sponsored by Assemblyman David Brown, R-Henderson, already received a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Committee members were open to his proposal, but still expressed skepticism about the scope.

Civil liberties groups criticized a Senate anti-terrorism proposal, SB38. The bill would severely impede people's civil rights, according to Richard Siegel, head of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada.

Siegel said the definition of terrorism in SB38 included acts that would disrupt or impair various government operations -- and could be taken by an overzealous prosecutor to include labor strikes or large demonstrations.

Perkins said he believes his bill is clearly and accurately written, protecting people's civil liberties.

Unique to Perkins' proposal is a requirement that hotel-casinos develop emergency response procedures and file them with local fire departments and police, as well as the state.

He said that aspect of his proposal will help ensure safety for citizens and visitors.

"By being prepared with good coordination among all emergency responders, we can best protect our residents and citizens and save lives," Perkins said in a written statement.

The speaker said that while he likes the language of the bill as written, he'd be open to changes to help further protect people's civil liberties.