Senate Bill 650 aims to enhance penalties for crimes committed by individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations, particularly when such actions are intended to silence or punish individuals for their political views. The bill introduces a new classification of crimes known as transnational repression, which will result in an increased penalty for the underlying crime if it meets specific criteria, such as being committed with the intent to harass or intimidate a dissident or political opponent. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Justice to develop training programs for law enforcement, maintain a list of countries and organizations involved in transnational repression, and create public awareness campaigns to help identify and report such cases.

Furthermore, the bill criminalizes the enforcement of foreign laws without prior approval from federal or state authorities, classifying such actions as a Class E felony. A conviction under this provision would carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years and a fine of at least $10,000. The bill also amends existing statutes to include the new penalty enhancer for transnational repression, thereby increasing the severity of penalties for related crimes.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 973.01(2)(c)2.a, 973.01