Senate bill would create crime category for gangs
Golden says it legislation also focuses on prevention
New York state would be tackling the troubling issue of street gang violence from two different perspectives — law enforcement and education — if a bill approved by the state Senate eventually becomes law.
Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-Southwest Brooklyn) on Monday has been sent to the state Assembly for consideration. Assemblymember Joe Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) is the sponsor of the bill in that chamber.
Golden’s legislation would create new felony categories for suspects charged with engaging in street gang activities, including members who recruit other young people to join the gangs. Suspects would face significant jail time if convicted of gang-related crimes.