Senate approves measure expanding terrorism definition

ATLANTA (AP) - The state Senate has voted to expand the definition of domestic terrorism and to create a stand-alone Department of Homeland Security. The proposed measure also would give attorneys general more power to work in multiple jurisdictions when prosecuting alleged terrorism.

Senators approved the bill 42-12 on Wednesday despite concerns from most Democratic senators. It will move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Attacks against critical infrastructure, including religious and educational institutions, would qualify as domestic terrorism under the bill. The definition of infrastructure would extend to both physical and virtual assets, meaning certain types of hacking attacks would be considered terrorism.

Previously, attacks in Georgia were only considered to constitute domestic terrorism if they left 10 or more people dead.