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Ross hopeful about gang bill
introduced in the House
Measure will receive hearing Monday afternoon
A bill to combat gang
violence around the state was introduced in the House today.
Rep. Charles Ross,
R-Naches, encourages citizens to contact their state officials and the
governor regarding
House Bill 2712, a bill he co-sponsored. The bill was created
out of recommendations from a gang task force, which Ross was co-chair.
"We worked very hard on
the task force, in a great bipartisan effort, to come up with solutions
based on what we heard from citizens around the state," Ross said.
"There are many issues that divide Republicans and Democrats, but
fighting crime should not be one of them. I hope we can put our families
first and pass this important legislation."
The 40-page bill, which
Ross says is a complete package that works to prevent, intervene and
suppress gang violence, includes:
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Creating a
statewide gang definition -- Would allow law enforcement and
courts to identify a gang member for sentencing.
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Authorizing
civil gang injunctions -- Would allow cities such as Sunnyside a
legal way to prevent established gang members from associating
within designated 'safe zones.' Certain safeguards would protect
citizens' civil liberties while preventing gang association, and
therefore, crime.
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Creating a statewide
gang information database -- Would allow law enforcement around
the state to track and identify known gang members.
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Increasing
sentencing for adults who recruit juveniles -- Ross said this is
an increasing trend among gang members to avoid serious jail time.
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Creating a
temporary witness relocation program -- Would help keep victims
safe to encourage testimony in court cases.
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Funding a
graffiti/tagging removal grant -- Citizens who spoke to the task
force expressed that this method of gang communication leads to
greater neighborhood fear.
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Providing
immediate relief in 2008 -- Law enforcement agencies would apply
for grants to have more resources to combat gang violence.
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Funding five pilot
projects in 2009-2011 -- Ross is hopeful Yakima will be chosen
for one of the projects.
"This is a great step
toward creating safer communities in our state," Ross said. "It will
give cities, counties and law enforcement the tools they need to really
crack down on gangs. The Yakima Valley in particular will benefit from
this legislation if it's signed into law."
The public hearing on the
bill is expected to be heard in the Public Safety and Emergency
Preparedness Committee on Mon., Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m. in House Hearing
Room E. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and share their
comments on the bill.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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