FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS12) \u2014 Florida lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would allow someone to be labeled a criminal gang member after being seen with known gang members just twice, cutting the previous requirement in half as part of a sweeping update to how the state identifies gang affiliation.<\/p>\n
A measure known as SB 536<\/a>, introduced by Sen. Jonathan Martin <\/a>(R\u2013Ft. Myers), passed its final committee this week and aims to modernize the criteria used to determine who qualifies as a gang member under Florida law. The bill, filed last November, would take effect on October 1, if approved.<\/p>\n Current law<\/a> requires meeting at least two of 11 criteria, including adopting gang-associated clothing, using gang hand signs, having gang tattoos, admitting gang membership, or being seen repeatedly with known gang members. The bill preserves those standards but expands them significantly.<\/p>\n The most impactful updates focus on digital behavior. Under SB 536, individuals could be classified as gang members if they admit affiliation online, use gang-related language in digital communications, or author posts, messages, or recordings indicating gang activity, according to the bill. The bill also adds identification by a spouse as a qualifying criterion and officially recognizes instances where a gang claims an individual as a member. <\/p>\n See also: K-9 Hoot leads Florida police to missing autistic boy in woods<\/a><\/p>\n The legislation arrives amid renewed focus on gang activity following the arrest of five robbery suspects in Polk County <\/a>last year who were later tied to the Venezuelan gang<\/a>Tren de Aragua<\/a>, a case that underscored evolving methods of communication and association among criminal organizations.<\/p>\n