Legislative findings; purpose; liberal construction

(a) This article is enacted as a direct response to the high level of reactivation of violent and terroristic acts against persons residing within the State of Georgia and in response to the outcry of the communities for assistance from the State of Georgia in combating these violent and terroristic acts. (b) The purpose of this article shall be to assist law enforcement personnel in the State of Georgia to identify, investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals or groups of individuals who illegally threaten, 143 35-3-64 harass, terrorize, or otherwise injure or damage the person or property of persons on the basis of their race, national origin, or religious persuasion. (c) It is the intent of the General Assembly that this article be interpreted and construed liberally to accomplish its purposes. History. — Code 1981, § 35-3-61, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 393, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 35. Editor’s notes. — The language formerly contained in subsection (a) of this Code section prior to the 1984 amendment is now contained in Code Section 35-3-60. See Code Section 35-3-60 and notes thereto. 35-3-62. ‘‘Terroristic act’’ defined. As used in this article, the term ‘‘terroristic act’’ means an act which constitutes a crime against the person or against the residence of an individual which is committed with the specific intent of and may reasonably be expected to instill fear into such person or persons or which is committed for the purpose of restraining that person or those persons from exercising their rights under the Constitution and laws of this state and the United States and any illegal act directed at other persons or their property because of those persons’ political beliefs or political affiliations. History. — Code 1981, § 35-3-62, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 393, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 35; Ga. L. 1987, p. 3, § 35. 35-3-63. Creation of task force; purposes.