Kemp-backed measure seeks harsher Georgia gang sentences

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia senators are advancing a bill that would make prison sentences harsher for gang crimes.

Senate Bill 44 would add a mandatory five years to sentences for anyone convicted of a gang crime and 10 years for anyone convicted of recruiting minors into a gang.

The bill is being pushed by Gov. Brian Kemp. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday on a 6-3 vote. It moves next to the full Senate for more debate.

The bill cuts against a decade of Georgia lawmakers reducing mandatory sentences or refusing to add new ones.

Kemp and other Republicans now argue more criminals must be locked away for long stretches.