Bill expands anti-gang law
Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers are considering expanding the list of gang related crimes and give judges more latitude to issue tougher sentences for those convicted of gang activity. The Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously approved a bill Monday that would also increase punishments for crimes committed by gang members. The measure now moves to the full Senate for debate. Idaho Criminal Justice Commission member Jim Tibbs says the legislation would add at least 11 more crimes to the state's criminal gang enforcement statute. Crimes committed in prisons, sexual offenses and street crimes like graffiti are among those that would be added to the statute. Under the bill, a judge could impose tougher, longer sentences for those crimes if they were committed by gang members.