Georgia officials have introduced new legislation to increase penalties for those who recruit minors into gangs and participate in gang-related activities.
"There is no place for gangs in Georgia and this vital legislation is a top priority," Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia) said.
Senate Bill 44, also called the "Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act," would combat gang violence throughout Georgia by defining recruitment of minors as a felony and imposing a mandatory minimum five-year sentence for all gang-related offenses.
"Enhancing gang sentencing across the board will ensure tough prison sentences for more gang offenders while offering a strong incentive for those accused of gang activity to cooperate with prosecutors," Hatchett said.
Senate Bill 44 was assigned to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. You can read the full text of SB 44 here.
