Bill > A05228

This bill enacts the Criminal Street Gang Abatement Act of 2025, which introduces comprehensive measures to combat criminal street gang activity in New York. The legislation defines a "criminal street gang" as an organization of three or more people with primary criminal activities, and establishes enhanced penalties for gang-related offenses. Key provisions include creating new criminal offenses such as gang solicitation, recruitment, and retention, with particularly stringent penalties for involving minors, especially on school grounds. The bill establishes a statewide gang database managed by the state police to track gang members and their activities. It also creates a witness protection fund and allocates money for gang prevention programs in schools. The penalties for crimes committed as part of gang activity are significantly increased, with offenses being elevated to higher criminal classifications. For example, a class A misdemeanor would be treated as a class E felony if committed in connection with gang activity. Additionally, the bill provides for roving wiretap interceptions to help law enforcement track gang-related communications and introduces provisions for forfeiture of gang-related assets, with a portion of those funds directed to local school districts for gang prevention and youth intervention programs.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5228