Bill > S04346

This bill establishes a comprehensive Gang Prevention Coordination Council to address juvenile delinquency and gang activity across New York State. The council will be composed of high-ranking state officials, including commissioners from education, health, mental health, and other key agencies, as well as judges, a public defender, a district attorney, and the attorney general. The council's primary responsibilities include holding public hearings in major counties, publishing an annual report on juvenile delinquency and gang prevention, and awarding grants to local government agencies and non-profit organizations. The bill defines a "gang" as a group of five or more people with specific characteristics related to criminal activity and shared identifiers. The council will develop and publish guidelines for evidence-based practices to prevent gang activity, which include services like early childhood development, family stabilization, job training, mental health services, substance abuse prevention, and reentry programs for incarcerated youth. Grants will be awarded annually, with a maximum duration of three years and a limit of $10 million per grant, distributed equitably based on municipal needs. The comptroller will audit these grants and report on their effectiveness in reducing gang activity and preventing youth gang involvement.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4346