RALEIGH (AP) ó The North Carolina Senate has approved two anti-gang measures designed to cut down on gang recruitment and boost the punishment faced by gang members who commit crimes.
The Senate approved both measures Wednesday. The proposed laws now head to the House for consideration.
One of the bills defines gang activity and creates new set of crimes related to gang activity. The other mandates local juvenile crime prevention councils and others be more involved in finding ways to prevent gang activity and identifying children who are at-risk of joining a gang.
Supporters said both tougher penalties and preventative programs are needed to fight gangs. A group of mayors and police officers lobbied lawmakers at the Legislative Building on Wednesday to approve the plans.