Bill > S979

This bill aims to address gang violence and witness intimidation by allowing municipalities, in consultation with the courts and local district attorneys, to designate certain areas as "municipal judicial safety zones." Within these designated zones, civil actions can be brought to enjoin specific gang-related activities, such as witness intimidation, illegal firearm possession or sale, and drug-related offenses. The bill provides the courts with the authority to issue injunctions and order other relief, including monetary damages and property forfeiture, to abate these illegal activities. Additionally, the bill allows for the service of summons and complaints on individual gang members, and any resulting court orders would be binding on the entire criminal street gang. The bill also outlines requirements for public notice of the designated safety zones prior to any civil actions being filed.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S979