- Committee -

SCS/SB 854 - This act creates provisions relating to terrorism. The Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security is created. The Joint Committee will consist of seven members each from the House and Senate. Duties of the Committee are provided. The Committee must file a report annually, beginning on January 15, 2003, with the General Assembly. The Joint Committee will expire on December 31, 2007.

This act adds an exemption to Sunshine Law, allowing closure of meetings and records regarding specific information on certain terrorism readiness issues. However, information regarding costs of security measures shall not be considered closed.

This act requires the chief executive office of a hospital to develop a written preparedness plan.

This act creates felonies for the possession of and unlawful use of weapons of mass destruction, biological terrorism, destruction of public resources, threatening to use weapons of mass destruction, possession of biological agents, and solicitation of support for an act of terrorism.

CINDY KADLEC