Bill > S05416

This bill establishes a new criminal offense called "criminal street gang recruitment on school grounds," which makes it a class D felony to coerce, solicit, recruit, or induce someone to join or remain in a criminal street gang while on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of a school. The bill provides detailed definitions for key terms, including what constitutes a "criminal street gang" (an organization of three or more people with criminal activities), a "criminal street gang member" (someone meeting specific criteria like gang identification or association), and "school grounds" (which includes school property and surrounding public areas). To be considered a criminal street gang, the group must have committed at least two criminal acts on separate occasions within five years that are part of a common scheme or plan. The new law aims to deter gang recruitment in educational settings by creating a specific criminal charge with potentially significant legal consequences, signaling a strong stance against gang activity near schools. The law will go into effect 60 days after being signed.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5416