Gang bills sail through House committee

Two bills intended to crack down on gang activity in the state were unanimously approved by the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee Thursday morning.

Sen. Jon Greiner, R-Ogden, is the sponsor of both bills, which are part of a package of "gang enhancement" legislation being introduced during this year's session.

The first proposal, SB28, would make it illegal for anyone convicted of a gang-related crime to have a gun, ammunition or anything that looks like a gun in their possession for five years.

Statewide Association of Prosecutors Executive Director Paul Boyden said the proposed change to the law would be "of significant value to law enforcement."

The second, SB19, creates stiffer penalties across the board for any crimes committed as a member of a gang. Greiner called the proposal "the heart of our gang legislation this session."

Both bills define gang-related criminal activity as any crime committed in concert with two or more people.

Both have been approved by the full Senate and will now move to the House for consideration.

E-mail: dservatius@desnews.com