Utah Legislature: Gang prevention measure approved

SALT LAKE CITY — Small towns in rural Utah aren't immune to gang activity, lawmakers and education officials agree.

The Senate Education Committee this week unanimously approved a bill that would require all school districts statewide to implement gang prevention and intervention policies. SB59 now goes to the Senate for debate.

"We understand every school district is different … but the goal is to have more of a statewide process," said bill sponsor Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake.

State school Superintendent Larry Shumway said he served as a principal years ago in Sevier School District in central Utah and was surprised when gang issues arose in Salina. "I think having something in place would be helpful," he said.

— Amy K. Stewart