GANG FREE ZONES

Over the past year-and-a-half Senator Carona and his colleagues have worked with law enforcement to seek solutions to the gang problems affecting Texas.

One major component of Senator Carona's anti-gang legislative package is SB 1256 which will create Gang Free Zones in areas that are frequented by the youth of our state, similar to the Drug Free Zones concept.

These Gang Free Zones will include:

• School properties
• Colleges and University properties
• Youth center properties
• Playgrounds
• Shopping malls
• Movie theaters
• Public pools
• Video arcades
• School buses

Punishments for gang-related offenses would be increased when those offenses are committed in a Gang Free Zone.

This legislation focuses on a zero tolerance perception, making gang members intending to commit criminal acts aware that protection of the youth in Texas is a top priority.