Bill > H3411

This bill aims to curtail gang activity and witness intimidation by establishing municipal judicial safety zones. The key provisions are: 1. Municipalities can designate areas around courthouses or high-crime areas as "municipal safety zones" after consultation with the Trial Court and local District Attorney. 2. Civil actions can be brought to enjoin specific gang-related activities within these safety zones, such as witness intimidation, unlawful firearm possession or sales, drug-related offenses, and threats of violence. 3. The courts can order various forms of relief, including monetary damages and property forfeiture, to abate and enjoin the intimidation or threatening of witnesses, victims, and other individuals participating in courthouse matters within the judicial safety zone. 4. Violations of court orders issued under this law are punishable by up to 1 year in jail or a house of correction. 5. The bill allows for civil actions to be brought against criminal street gangs, their members, and other associated individuals, regardless of whether there has been a related criminal action. 6. The courts can issue temporary orders to protect the community within the safety zone, and the municipality must provide public notice of the safety zone at least 30 days before any civil action is commenced under this law.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3411