In an effort to squarely tackle teen violence, the Chandler City Council has moved to introduce a pair of ordinances that should be aiming to stamp out tumultuous teen gatherings and bar minors from possessing brass knuckles. The proposed laws were green-lighted for an introduction, setting the stage for a definitive vote on May 23, as reported by the City of Chandler.
Should the council give the nod next week, these regulations are slated to kick in on June 24. The first of the two ordinances takes aim at what's being described as unruly gatherings—a move that, according to the City's official announcement, is intended "to provide educational and enforcement tools to address" incidents of teen violence. Violators could face a civil fine or a charge of a class one misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to $2,500, six months in jail, and three years' probation—the most severe punishment at a municipal level.
The crackdown on disturbances specifically prohibits hosting, organizing, or participating in gatherings where underage alcohol consumption, the use of illegal drugs, felony actions, or physical altercations leading to injury take place. The same applies to gatherings cited for unruly behavior in the past six months. If the party's responsible person is a minor, parents or guardians will also be on the hook for any violations incurred.
Turning the spotlight on brass knuckles, the second ordinance zeroes in on prohibiting minors under 18 from having these potential weapons in their possession, and retailers from selling or distributing them to the underaged. Caught in violation, minors—and perhaps their guardians—could find themselves facing the same class one misdemeanor charges. As the City of Chandler points out, the emphasis post-adoption will be on community outreach to educate residents, young adults, and teenagers about the new ordinances.
The upcoming vote on May 23 will be held at the Chandler Council Chambers, located at 88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 85225, at 6 p.m. Those in Chandler can look ahead to seeing whether these proposed measures will become the law of the land at the close of June, presumably with the hope that the ordinances can help to curb the tide of teen violence that has prompted such legislative actions.
