Georgia committee advances bill creating felony for material support of terrorism after amendment to add humanitarian carve-outs

Representative Brent Cox, the bill—s sponsor, presented House Bill 675, saying the measure "creates an offense, which is a felony and a penalty for material, tangible and financial terroristic acts," and asked for the committee—s "favorable consideration."

The committee—s discussion focused on three recurring concerns: whether the state law mirrors federal statute closely enough to avoid preemption, whether the measure criminalizes humanitarian or charitable deliveries, and whether the bill clearly requires proof that a defendant knew they were aiding a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The bill—s sponsor told the committee he had consulted "DAs, prosecuting attorneys, also from the AG's office, a variety of places." Chairman Gunner and…