Legislation increasing criminal penalties for non-citizens and individuals tied to foreign terrorist organizations is moving forward at the State Capitol.
Oklahoma Representative Tim Turner advanced two measures in the House that would expand sentencing requirements and financial penalties in certain cases.
House Bill 3764 would enhance penalties for anyone convicted of a felony who is found to be a member of, acting on behalf of, or supporting a foreign terrorist organization designated by the U.S. Department of Justice. The measure would require at least double the maximum sentence and fine allowed for the underlying offense.
“These measures put on notice anyone associated with a foreign terrorist organization or anyone illegally owning property in the state, that they will face enhanced fines, prison time and loss of their property,” Turner said.
House Bill 3765 would require non-citizens convicted of a felony to serve a five-year prison term and pay a fine of at least $1,000. The bill also allows for the potential forfeiture of land or property owned through a business, trust, or foreign government enterprise if the individual is convicted of a felony.
Both measures now head to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 3764 is authored in the Senate by Oklahoma Senator Warren Hamilton, while House Bill 3765 is carried by Oklahoma Senator Avery Frix.
