HB 1616 - DIGEST

     Finds and declares that:  (1) Criminal gang activity is a prevalent problem throughout this state and gang violence has had a tremendous impact on our communities and families;

     (2) gang members often view their gang as their "family."  Gangs provide their members with negative guidance and undesirable values.  This gang subculture perpetuates itself and leads to increased violence and crime; and

     (3) current law does not sufficiently deter criminal street gang activity.

     Provides that, by increasing penalties when an offense is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, with the intent to promote, further, or assist in criminal conduct by gang members, the legislature intends to convey that involvement in criminal street gangs is unacceptable.  The legislature intends to deter criminal street gang activity by providing a sentencing enhancement.