HB 0020 Criminal Street Gangs
AN ACT relating to crimes and offenses; creating the crime of intimidation in furtherance of the interests of a criminal street gang; providing definitions; and providing for an effective date.
WE OPPOSE THIS LEGISLATION AS THE “GANGS” BILLS ARE MOST OFTEN USED BY THE POLICE TO TARGET AND HARRASS MINORITY YOUTH ARE VAGUE AND OVERLY BROAD; AND ANY ACTUAL CRIMES ARE COVERED IN THE CRIMINAL CODE.
Updates:
2/18 - This bill has passed introduction and been referred to the House Judiciary Committee – the committee hearing on this bill will be Monday February 15 at 8:00 AM. We will provide testimony at this hearing.
3/9 - This bill passed and will go into effect on 7/1/10. This bill was supported by DCI and the Sheriffs and unfortunately passed. The DCI provided information that there is extensive gang activity in Wyoming – I have been unable to verify this information and all reports so far seem to be antidotal other than “intelligence” information which DCI has stated cannot be released to the public. This type of gang targeting has lost credibility with most areas that have gang problems and best practices intervention and prevention programs are now thought to be the most effective measures against gang activity.
