Bill strengthens penalties for terrorism

A bill which strengthens penalties for terrorism has cleared the Iowa Senate. Republican Senator Gene Maddox of Clive says current Iowa law doesn’t adequately define acts of terrorism. He says the definition is not broad enough to include the activities that went on in New York on September 11th.Those guilty of an act of terrorism would be sentenced to life in prison.The bill also heightens the penalties for conspirators and others who help terrorists — with things like cash or medical attention. He says the bill will likely have minimal preventative effect.The acts of terrorism which occurred September 11th fall under federal law, and terrorists convicted of participating or planning the attacks face the federal death penalty. But Maddox says the bill’s still important. He says they can at least enhance Iowa’s law to cover more things.The bill must gain the approval of the Iowa House and the Governor before it becomes law.