The Senate passed Senate Bill 2868. However, the House committees to whom it was referred turned down Senate Bill 2868. This bill would impose severe penalties on adults who encourage their children to join gangs. The legislation was designed to define gangs as three to five people wearing identifying colors, clothing, and signs who engage in criminal gang activity. However, backers claimed it was a solution to the state’s gang problem. Opponents raised civil-liberties concerns about the bill and warned that it could increase racial profiling.
A companion House bill was also defeated during intense debate.