Will Gang Bill Be Signed?

Will Gang Bill Be Signed?

Story Published: Mar 30, 2008 at 9:33 AM PST

By Sade Malloy

Watch the story
Yakima -- Fighting gangs here means means a fight in Olympia first.

Rep. Charles Ross says, "Anythings better than nothing in this world."

Representative Charles Ross spent Saturday in Yakima answering questions and talking to locals about bills he pushed for and one he still backs even though it doesn't have the teeth it once did.

James Parks, NAACP Yakima says, "Absolutely it needs to be signed."

Parks argues the Gang Bill is the next step in law enforcements
anti-gang battle.

It defines gangs for the courts and creates a gang database

Something cops and communities would have access to.

But it's what's not in the bill that has some upset.

Rep. Charles Ross says, "We know that this isn't going to be an immediate fix but it's charting a course."

But the civil injunctions part of the law was cut out, that would stop gang members from meeting in neighborhoods designated as safe zones.

Legislators are worried it could lead to racial profiling.

James Parks, NAACP Yakima says, "You got Black gang members and they're all black is it profiling and you got Hispanic gang members."

The cuts to the bill have also cut off support from some lawmakers

Senator Adam Kline of Seattle has withdrawn his backing for the bill.

Rep. Charles Ross says, "A bill that's being criticized by one person and a special interest group from one part of the state I think would not be a good message."

Ross says he believes the bill will make it through.


And if it does he says he will try to get back what was left on the chopping block.

He promises to work to re-instate civil injunctions.

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected