SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assemblymember Tony Mendoza’s bill clarifying the intent of the Parental Accountability Act (2007) by expanding the violations for which parents may be sentenced to take Anti-Gang Parenting Classes, passed the Senate Committee on Public Safety with a vote of 6-0. AB 177 will now head to the Senate floor for a vote.

AB 177 augments the list of offenses for which a minor’s parent or guardian may be sentenced to take anti-gang parenting classes beyond a child’s gang-related activity. The new law would include a child committing an act of vandalism, truancy, trespassing, possession of marijuana or alcohol, attempting to purchase alcohol, possession of a fake I.D., disorderly conduct and fare evasion on public transit.

“I authored this bill to provide parents and guardians a place where they can learn about the warning signs of their children’s potential involvement with gangs before it is too late,” says Assemblymember Mendoza. “Minor acts of delinquency are like gateway activities for gang involvement. Usually, children begin with small acts of rebellion like vandalism, skipping classes repeatedly, joy riding. These things may seem insignificant, but can lead to more trouble later on.”

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