HB 6703 Summary

• Creates a class A misdemeanor offense for recruiting anyone under 18 years old to join a criminal gang, defined as a formal or informal organization of three or more persons engaged in criminal activity with an identifying name, sign, symbol, or leadership structure (effective October 1, 2013).

• Establishes a pilot program in Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven run by the Court Support Services Division to reduce juvenile justice contact and recidivism through collaboration with local police, federal agencies, youth service bureaus, and community-based service centers (effective July 1, 2013).

• Requires pilot program probation officers and participating agencies to meet with at-risk youth to inform them of juvenile justice consequences for violent behavior and illegal weapons possession, and to conduct unannounced visits to homes, schools, and workplaces of supervised youth including evening hours.

• Requires the Chief Court Administrator to submit a report to the General Assembly by February 1, 2014, describing the pilot program's findings and recommendations for expansion or continuation.