By John Johnston, Boca Raton News
August 6, 2007

�Well-organized and well-equipped street gangs represent a violent form of domestic terrorism that we must confront,� said House Majority Leader and State Rep. Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach).

Hasner was a prime cosponsor of the original anti-gang bill in the last session of Florida�s legislature �and this week he joined with other legislators and Attorney General Bill McCollum as new legislation was introduced to dramatically expand the definition of gangs — and also make it possible for those harmed by gangs to seek legal retribution

The Violence Policy Center in Washington, DC said Florida recorded the second-highest number of drive-by shootings during the second half of 2006 — and for many years the state has had laws on the books defining what it takes to be classified as a criminal street gang member.

A gang is a group of people who want to be seen as different from others and want others to perceive them as a distinct group. This group is organized, has leadership, and is committing criminal and/or delinquent acts in the community. And gangs establish a reputation by the types and severity of the crimes each commits.

The new bill, filed by Representative William Snyder (R- Stuart), improves upon legislation passed unanimously by the Florida House of Representatives last year, and will make it easier for law enforcement and prosecutors to combat gang activity, said Hasner. The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Jeff Atwater (R- North Palm Beach), but who also represents the City of Boca Raton.

�We see the problem firsthand here in Palm Beach County,� said Hasner. �These well-organized and well-equipped street gangs represent a violent form of domestic terrorism that we must confront. In addition to General McCollum�s support, the fact that the future Senate President can carry this bill and make a real difference toward final passage is great news for our law enforcement officers and our communities.�

The proposed legislation expands the definition of street gangs under the current statute to any group involved in organized criminal activity, including street gangs, terrorist organizations and hate groups. It would also make it easier to enforce current laws against recruiting others to such activities.

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�Throughout the 100 ideas process we heard from both citizens and law enforcement officers alike who told us that the spread of violent street gangs is the number one safety issue facing Florida�s families,� said Speaker Marco Rubio (R-West Miami). �We brought forth a good bill last year to combat gangs, but could not gain the support we needed for final passage. I am extremely grateful to Attorney General McCollum and Senator Atwater for stepping up and joining us on this issue, and I am confident that with their leadership we can fulfill our commitment to keeping the people of Florida safe.��I applaud the efforts of Leader Hasner, Senator Atwater and Representative Snyder in introducing this important legislation,� said Attorney General Bill McCollum. �Gang related criminal activity has increased in Florida. As a result, we must strengthen our laws to provide law enforcement agencies the tools they need to keep our communities safe.�The legislation is designed to limit contact between gang members while on probation and make it a felony to make use of any form of electronic communication to intimidate, harass, advertise the presence of a criminal group or promote unlawful activity, said Hasner.Additionally, it prohibits convicted felons from purchasing or owning tools and equipment, including bullet-proof vests, that can be used for the commission of violent felonies. It also encourages the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to maintain an organized crime member database accessible by local law enforcement that will aid in the statewide effort to cut down gang activity.

John Johnston can be reached at 561-549-0833, or at jjohnston@bocanews.com.

Copyright � 2007, Boca Raton News