Florida Gang Members to Face Harsher Penalties

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Legislature today approved House Bill
(HB) 43, tough anti-gang legislation, championed by Attorney General Bill McCollum and sponsored by Senator Jeff Atwater (R-Palm Beach Gardens) and Representative William Snyder (R-Stuart).

"As Florida fights a growing gang problem, we must give our law
enforcement officers and state prosecutors the tools necessary to win that battle," said Attorney General Bill McCollum. "This legislation provides them with those essential tools, and I appreciate the commitment the Legislature has demonstrated to keeping our neighborhoods and communities safer from gangs and gang violence."

“I am pleased we have been able to move significant penalties to
deter gang violence and gang crime,” said Senator Jeff Atwater, who
sponsored similar legislation (CS/CS/SB 76) in the Florida Senate. “This
problem has been particularly acute in Broward & Palm Beach Counties. This is a good step in getting this statewide problem under control.”

“With more than 1,000 gangs and an estimated 65,000 active members in our State, our law enforcement leaders tell us they need this legislation to effectively combat this growing threat,” said Representative Snyder.

“This bill will help police officers, Sheriffs, and prosecutors throughout
our state fight the scourge of gangs in our communities.”