§ 39-13-802 — Legislative intent

(a) The general assembly finds and declares that the threat of terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction, including, but not limited to, biological, chemical, nuclear, or radiological agents, is a compelling public safety and health concern. The general assembly recognizes that terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction could result in a disaster placing residents of Tennessee in great peril. The general assembly finds it necessary to sanction the possession, manufacture, use, or threatened use of chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological weapons, as well as the intentional use or threatened use of industrial or commercial chemicals as weapons, to take other steps to prevent the occurrence of terrorist acts to the fullest extent possible, and to respond rapidly and effectively to any terrorist acts. The general assembly further finds and declares that hoaxes involving terrorist threats create a substantial drain on governmental resources and are a significant disruption to the operation of government, as well as a disruption of the right of persons to a sense of personal security. (b) The general assembly further finds and declares that the threat from terrorism arises from a variety of sources and means other than through the utilization of weapons of mass destruction. The general assembly finds that this state has a compelling state interest in preventing terrorism within its borders, and the targeted prohibitions set forth in this part are meant to be a focused and least intrusive method for this state to protect its residents from such threats. The general assembly further declares that this part neither targets, nor incidentally prohibits or inhibits, the peaceful practice of any religion.

Legislative History

Acts 2002, ch. 849, § 1; 2011, ch. 497, § 2.