Bills/Legislative Alerts
8/2/07
North Carolina gang bills dead for this session
The North Carolina legislature adjourned without passing punitive gang legislation that would increase the number of young people exposed to new, extremely harsh prison sentences. More details will follow soon, but we sincerely thank our members and allies for their support in this campaign.
8/1/07
North Carolina's punitive gang bills push forward, write your lawmakers now
Punitive gang legislation that would increase the number of young people exposed to new, extremely harsh prison sentences is pending in North Carolina's House and Senate. FAMM and many other organizations have been working hard to stop or modify them. Your emails, letters and calls to legislators also make a difference - and we need your help again.
On Tuesday July 31, 2007, in an expected, yet unfortunate end, the House voted 109 – 4 in favor or HB 274. The only dissenting votes came from Representatives Weiss, Harrison, Luebke and Insko. Please thank them for their courageous vote.
However, we are still hopeful the tide will turn in the Senate. If you have not yet contacted your Senator, please take time to do so. One of the main concerns expressed by legislators - even those who voted for the bill - is the exorbitant costs this legislation will warrant. In the current North Carolina budget, $4.7 million has been allotted to gang prevention, however the funding was contingent upon the passage of HB 274, a bill that exposes children as young as 16 to mandatory sentences for alleged gang involvement.
We need to stress to lawmakers that they should step back and take a look at this to ensure that we are developing “smart on crime” policies that protect public safety, are equitable and fair and are fiscally sound.
We urge you to call your senator and ask them to them to support the prevention and intervention funds SB 1358, but please reject the new mandatory penalties that will disproportionately affect at-risk children and youth of color.
SB 1358, introduced by Sen. Graham (D-Mecklenburg) and HB 274, introduced by Rep. Michaux (D-Durham) are a flawed approach to problems of youth delinquency and violence. We need your support in calling, writing and emailing your legislators to express your opposition to the bills. Click here to email your senator now!
7/1/07
North Carolina gang legislation costly, ineffective
In the current North Carolina budget, $4.7 million has been allotted to gang prevention; however the funding is contingent upon the passage of HB 274, a bill that exposes children as young as 12 to mandatory sentences for alleged gang involvement.
Punitive gang legislation that would increase the number of young people exposed to new, extremely harsh prison sentences is pending in North Carolina's House and Senate. FAMM and many other organizations have been working hard to stop or modify them. Your emails, letters and calls to legislators also make a difference - and we need your help again.
We urge you to call your representative and senator and ask them to them to support the prevention and intervention funds in HB 274 and SB 1358, but please reject the new mandatory penalties that will disproportionately affect at-risk children and youth of color.
SB 1358, introduced by Sen. Graham (D-Mecklenburg) and HB 274, introduced by Rep. Michaux (D-Durham) are a flawed approach to problems of youth delinquency and violence. We need your support in calling, writing and emailing your legislators to express your opposition to the bills. Click here to email your representative and senator now!
7/2007
North Carolina update
FAMMGram, summer 3007
6/27/07
North Carolina residents, urge senators to reject bills targeting youth
An extremely punitive mandatory sentencing bill that targets youth is moving quickly in the Senate. If you live in North Carolina, click here to ask Senate judiciary committee members to stop this bill today!
5/3/07
North Carolina lawmakers should reject new mandatory penalties that will disproportionately affect at-risk children and youth of color
3/12/07
N.C. legislative update
8/31/06
Victory in N.C.! Harsh gang bill, mandatory minimums stopped