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Wisconsin Statutes Crimes (Ch. 938 to 951) § 947.017. Threats to release chemical, biological, or radioactive substances

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) In this section:

(a) “Biological agent” means a microorganism or an infectious substance, or any naturally occurring, bioengineered, or synthesized toxin or component of a microorganism or an infectious substance that is capable of causing death, disease, or other biological malfunction in humans.

(b) “Harmful substance” means radioactive material that is harmful to human life, a toxic chemical or its precursor, or a biological agent.

(c) “Microorganism” includes a bacterium, virus, fungus, rickettsia, or protozoan.

(d) “Precursor” means any chemical reactant that takes part at any stage in the production by whatever method of a toxic chemical.

(e) “Toxic chemical” means any chemical that through its chemical action on life processes can cause death, temporary incapacitation, or permanent harm to humans.

(2) Whoever, knowing the threat to be false, intentionally threatens to release or disseminate a harmful substance, if the threat induces a reasonable expectation or fear that the person will release or disseminate a harmful substance, is guilty of a Class I felony.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Wisconsin Statutes Crimes (Ch. 938 to 951) § 947.017. Threats to release chemical, biological, or radioactive substances - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/wi/crimes-ch-938-to-951/wi-st-947-017/

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