The bill would make political motivation an aggravating factor in sentencing and death penalty proceedings.
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 13, or “Political Terrorism Prevention Act,” to add stricter punishments to homicides deemed politically-motivated following the rise of targeted attacks across the country.
The bill was introduced by Republican state senator Todd Johnson, who represents Cabarrus and Union counties.
The act says it will protect the first amendment and free speech by further penalizing any acts of violence committed against an individual because of their political affiliations, beliefs or voting history.
The bill references the attempted assassinations of Rep. Steve Scalise, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Pres. Trump, the arson on the Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, the assassinations of Rep. Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk.
Through the bill, political motivation could be proven with direct or circumstantial evidence, such as affiliations, manifestos and statements.
SB 13 would change how people convicted are sentenced:
The bill also creates new aggravating factors, which would impact death penalty decisions.
The North Carolina General Assembly returned on Monday, Sept. 22.
Senate Bill 13 is on the calendar for discussion in the House on Tuesday, Sept. 23.