Highlights of Gang-Related Legislation
Spring 2011

• Of the 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC), all but Vermont have enacted some form of legislation relating to gangs or gang-related activity.

• 22 states have passed gang prevention laws.

• 14 states and DC have enacted anti-carjacking statutes.

• More than half the states have laws that provide for enhanced penalties for gang-related criminal acts.

• The public nuisance laws of 23 states and DC count gang activity among the factors in determining a nuisance. Indiana has defined real estate/dwellings as “psychologically affected property” if they are the locations of criminal gang activity.

• 41 states and DC have legislation that defines “gang.”

• More than half of the states’ legislatures have laws against graffiti.

• 24 states define “gang crime/activity.”

• 23 states have legislation on gangs and schools.

• 20 percent of the states have enacted laws that deal with gang-related databases.