Bill > SB617

This bill aims to strengthen West Virginia's laws against organized criminal activity by expanding the definition of criminal enterprises to explicitly include gangs. The legislation defines a "gang" as any organization of three or more people that commits qualifying offenses, and establishes new criminal penalties for gang-related activities. Specifically, the bill makes it a felony to knowingly become a member of a gang or organized criminal enterprise and assist in committing qualifying offenses, with potential punishments of up to 10 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine. Additionally, the bill criminalizes recruiting or soliciting others to join a gang or participate in criminal activities, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. The legislation also includes provisions making it a felony to intimidate witnesses in gang-related prosecutions, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill reflects the legislature's findings that organized criminal enterprises and gangs pose a significant threat to public safety, and it provides law enforcement with additional tools to combat gang-related criminal activity in West Virginia.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=617&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill