State Senate passes anti-gang bill by a vote of 48-13
By: News 12 Staff May 8, 2017, 3:35am Updated on: May 8, 2017
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.
The legislation also creates a fund to support violence prevention and gang crime deterrence services by not-for-profit organizations.
The bill comes after a wave of gang violence on Long Island, including the deaths of four young men who police believe were killed by MS-13 members in Central Islip.