Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

OLYMPIA– Attorney General Rob McKenna will personally testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow to demonstrate his strong support for legislation he requested to combat the activities of criminal gangs.

The request legislation from the Attorney General’s Office creates the new crime of tagging/gang graffiti, clearly defines “criminal gangs” and provides longer sentences for crimes committed by members of criminal gangs and those attempting to join criminal gangs.

McKenna and his staff have been working with local law enforcement and prosecutors across the state to determine the best means to combat increased gang activity, which McKenna believes is closely tied to increased trafficking of methamphetamine.

What:   McKenna to testify at hearing on Senate Bill 5987 in the Senate Judiciary Committee

When:   3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28

Where:  Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building, Capitol Campus in Olympia

The lead sponsors for Senate Bill 5987 are Sen. Jim Clements (R-Selah) and Sen. Mike Carrell (R-Lakewood).  The hearing will be covered by TVW, Washington’s Public Affairs Network.

-30-

Contact:  Janelle Guthrie, APR
Communications Director | Office of State Attorney General Rob McKenna
1125 Washington Street SE | PO Box 40100 | Olympia | WA | 98504-0100
Phone: (360) 586-0725 | Cell: (360) 584-3046 | E-mail: janelleg@atg.wa.gov

Topic: