MS SB2868

Amends contributing to delinquency of a minor law to include knowingly enticing, soliciting, coercing, encouraging or intimidating any child to violate drug laws or participate in gang or gang-related activities.

Revises Mississippi Gang Act definitions to define gangs as associations of three or more persons collectively identifying themselves by common name, symbols, tattoos, clothing style, hand signs, or graffiti, and engaged in criminal gang activity.

Expands definition of criminal gang activity to include felony offenses committed with intent to increase gang size/prestige, exact revenge, gain criminal market advantage, obstruct justice, recruit members, or threaten witnesses or gang members attempting to withdraw.

Increases penalties for conducting or participating in criminal gang activity to imprisonment of 5-15 years or fines of $10,000-$15,000, in addition to any underlying offense sentence, with special conditions prohibiting contact with gang members or victims.

Classifies criminal gang activity as a crime of violence under Mississippi law and creates new evidentiary standards allowing gangs to be proven by preponderance of evidence without requiring common name or insignia.