Kifowit Backs Measure to Crack Down on Gang Recruitment

AURORA, Ill. – In an effort to protect young people from gang violence and improve public safety, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is supporting legislation to target the criminals who try to recruit students into street gangs.

“Students are most vulnerable to being preyed on by gang members while they wait unsupervised at bus stops and play in public parks,” Kifowit said. “Parents who send their children to receive an education deserve to have the peace of mind that their child will be safe.”

Kifowit’s House Bill 247 would extend the areas where individuals can be charged with street gang recruitment beyond school grounds to include areas within 1,000 feet of school buses, school bus stops, and public parks. Gangs often pressure minors into joining their organization with threats or even acts of violence. Kifowit’s legislation would also ban gang recruitment on the property of public or private elementary, secondary, or post-secondary school, or a public or private 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education. Those found guilty of street gang recruitment would face up to 15 years in prison.

“Making it harder for street gangs to recruit will also help law enforcement better protect our neighborhoods by limiting the growth of gangs and putting those who attempt to recruit children behind bars,” Kifowit said. “We owe it to those who have had their lives destroyed by gang violence to take a stand and break this vicious cycle.”

For more information, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office by phone at 630-585-1308, by email at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or by visiting www.ILDistrict84.com.