Georgia House members have passed a bill backed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp that would impose long prison sentences on people convicted of recruiting minors into a gang.
The House voted 99-74 for Senate Bill 44 on Monday. It would add a mandatory five years to prison sentences for anyone convicted of a gang crime and 10 years for anyone convicted of recruiting minors into a gang. The measure goes back to the Senate because the House amended it.
Supporters say Georgia has to act to reduce gang crime. Opponents say Georgia’s laws already carry harsh penalties and there’s no proof criminals will be deterred.