For Immediate Release
March 16, 2006
Please Contact: Colin Durrant (617)722-1650 or Dalié Jiménez, 617-722-1650

ANTI-GANG BILL HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

 

The Legislature this afternoon sent the Governor a comprehensive anti-gang bill focused on cracking down on witness intimidation and harassment.   The bill's authors, Senator Jarrett T. Barrios (D-Cambridge) and Representative Stephen Canessa (D-New Bedford) said the bill “sends the message loud and clear that gang violence and witness intimidation is not welcome in Massachusetts.”

 

The Bill:

• Establishes a statewide witness protection program administered by a Witness Protection Board made up of law enforcement and legal professional.  The program is funded at $500,000 in FY06 and $1 million in FY07.

• Creates new penalties for witness intimidation by gang members.

•  Prohibits use of grand jury testimony to intimidate a witness, but protects constitutional rights of journalists and defendants.

• Cracks down on the use of “community guns,” a practice used by gangs where a gun is passed from one member to another for use in crimes.

• Creates a new perjury standard for violent crimes.

 

“Violent crime and gangs have no place in our communities,” said Senator Barrios.  “The Legislature today took a firm step forward in sending the message to gangs that the intimidation of witness will not be tolerated.”

 

“Today is a victory for all the citizens of the Commonwealth,” stated Rep. Canessa.  “I am pleased that the House and Senate were able to compromise and pass this anti-gang measure so we can rid our streets of the crime and violence too often instigated by gang members.” 

 

In December 2005, the Legislature and Governor approved a $11 million grant program to provide support for community-based programs that give youth an alternative to gangs and violence.

 

 

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