New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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GOVERNOR SIGNS FREEDOM TO REPORT TERRORISM ACT

Governor Spitzer today announced that he has signed the Freedom to Report Terrorism Act. The new law will provide protections against litigation for individuals who report potential terrorist activities.

The new law shields persons from civil and criminal liability in New York courts if they act in good faith and with the reasonable belief that an individual is acting in furtherance of a crime or an act of terrorism. Malicious reports of suspicious behavior to law enforcement would not be protected by this new law.

“The threat of a lawsuit can have a chilling effect on the willingness of the average person to report suspicious behavior,” said Governor Spitzer. “People acting in good faith to assist law enforcement officials in preventing terrorism should not have to worry about the threat of legal action. In the fight against terrorism, we need to encourage, not discourage, New Yorkers to do their part.”

Senator Dean Skelos said: “Since the evil, terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we have encouraged people on airplanes, in buildings and aboard our subways and commuter trains to report anything they deem suspicious. The vigilance of everyday citizens is our first line of defense in the constant battle against terrorism. This commonsense law protects people who do the right thing.”

Assemblyman Rory Lancman said: “Governor Spitzer's signature on the bi-partisan 'Freedom to Report Terrorism Act' ensures that honest New Yorkers who 'see something' and then 'say something' won't be sued for their efforts. Ordinary citizens are our first line of defense against terrorists, and we will not let terrorist sympathizers distort our legal system to intimidate people from reporting suspicious activity.”

The law will take effect immediately.