On February 9, 2012, Maine solidly rejected prison industry lobbyists promoting LD 1707 "An Act To Define, Prevent and Suppress Gang Activity in the State". The bill would have increased lock-em-up penalties for being in a "gang", sharply redefining "gang" to be any assembly or three or more people that might somehow be contemplating breaking ANY known law.
Listen to the postcast of the 2/9/12 committee worksession and final vote on the bill (This can also be heard here (mp3)
Despite the federal cash blandishments and frightening scenarios set out by the there's-a-gang-under-every-bed crowd, Maine's conservative legislature, especially its Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, was rightfully suspicious of increasing state government power to repress organizations by deeming them "gangs". The committee gave the bill a hearty "Ought Not To Pass", killing the bill.
PREVIOUSLY On January 27, 2012, the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, held a public hearing on LD 1707 "An Act To Define, Prevent and Suppress Gang Activity in the State"
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To listen to recordings of the1/26/12 public hearing on lD1707: Click Here
