10/21/2026
📣Myhre Bill Would Strengthen State’s Counter Terrorism Laws📣
Trenton, N.J. – Assemblyman Gregory Myhre recently introduced A-5558, legislation aimed directly at strengthening New Jersey’s counter terrorism laws by expanding the definition of a terrorist organization, and empowering victims to take additional avenues to pursue civil damages. Assemblyman Brian Rumpf joined on as a primary sponsor and Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. introduced the Senate companion legislation, S-4739.
“As we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives that were lost on September 11th, 2001, and the pain inflicted on that awful day, we are yet again reminded that the threat of terrorism has not disappeared,” said Myhre (R – Ocean). “A quarter century after that dark day, our nation still faces external threats, especially given the rise of radical organizations both at home and abroad”.
Assembly members Brian Rumpf, Victoria Flynn, Robert Auth, Robert Clifton, Antwan McClellan, and Gregory McGuckin have signed on as sponsors and co-sponsors to Bill A-5558, which has been referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee.
New Jersey's current statutory framework, regarding the solicitation and provision of material support for terrorism, relies strictly on rigid federal designations. Under existing law, individuals can often escape severe state-level penalties or civil liability if they provide resources to domestic networks or rogue factions that operate outside the explicit "foreign terrorist organization" classification designated by the U.S. Secretary of State. This regulatory gap leaves local communities vulnerable and leaves victims of targeted violence with limited options for legal recourse.
In contrast, A-5558 would strengthen the state's legal framework by explicitly expanding the definition of a terrorist organization. The legislation’s framework includes any person, group, or entity that plans, prepares, or commits acts of terrorism, as well as those providing material support to such activities. Crucially, the bill would introduce a historic civil action framework, which would enable victims of terrorism to sue individuals or front organizations that fund or support these extremist networks.
“Providing a clear definition of what constitutes a terrorist network is critical, especially when our country has experienced domestically planned terror attacks in recent years. We must use every tool available to stop the deliberate destabilization of public safety,” said Myhre. “There has been a high-level focus on foreign-headquartered organizations, and we must apply what we have learned to fighting terrorism wherever it may originate. By establishing robust penalties and giving victims the power to file civil lawsuits for damages, we are cutting off the financial and material supply lines that fuel this catastrophic violence.
The uniform framework established under A-5558 would create tiered criminal offenses depending on the outcome of a terrorism act, which would elevate the state's capability to aggressively prosecute enablers of foreign violence.
“New Jersey has an obligation to learn the long-term lessons of 9/11 and protect its citizens from modern terroristic movements,” Myhre said. “We will no longer tolerate statutory blind spots that allow sympathizers to fund hatred, violence, and the destruction of our communities, without facing severe legal and financial consequences.”
