State Senate passes anti-gang bill
WOODBURY - The state Senate passed legislation Monday that defines criminal gang activity in the state's penal law. The move aims to crack down on violent gangs such as MS-13.
The bill was passed in the Senate by a vote of 48-13.
According to officials, the Gang Enforcement and Prevention Act would give officials more tools to investigate and prosecute gang violence and track gang activity.
The bill, which was co-sponsored by state Sen. Tom Croci, raises penalties for some crimes committed during gang activity, and for the first time creates a definition of what a gang is. The bill would make it a felony to recruit for a gang, including on school grounds.
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