New Anti-Terror Bills Signed

California´s little-used wiretap law is expected to become more popular with police and prosecutors, now that it can be used to investigate those suspected of crimes involving bombs, bioterrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Governor Davis has signed seven additional anti-terrorism laws while speaking before hundreds of state and local police attending a “homeland defense summit” in Ontario. Two of the bills expand the definition of “weapons of mass destruction” to include biological agents and airplanes. Two more tighten regulations for tracking and transporting hazardous wastes. Another creates committees to develop terrorism training standards for emergency workers, which will be paid for with federal money.

Other bills bar security guards from getting temporary registration cards before a background check is completed, and make it a misdemeanor to take a replica weapon or weapon parts past security checkpoints at airports.