The bill, which was co-authored by state Sen. Jarrett Barrios, D-Cambridge, focuses on witness protection and anti-gang efforts through law enforcement and youth violence prevention programs.

The anti-gang initiative includes an $11 million grant program to support increased law enforcement activities as well as youth violence prevention programs.

The initiative also devotes $750,000 to a witness protection program that would be managed by a seven-member board and will provide services, including armed protection or escort, surveillance and physical relocation.

The bill also includes increased penalties for using grand jury transcripts to intimidate a witness and for using "community guns," a term for a loaded gun gang members pass around to commit crimes.

In August 2004, the city of Somerville established an anti-gang ordinance that would allow police to crack down on loitering they believe is related to gang activity. The legislation stemmed from a 2002 incident in which members of the Salvadoran street gang MS-13 raped two young disabled girls in Foss Park.

The state's anti-gang bill was developed in partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition. Mayor Joe Curtatone, who is co-chairman of the Metro Mayor's Community Safety Initiative, said the state initiative "addresses both elements of the gang violence equation."

"It gives prosecutors the tools to put violent criminals behind bars and gives cities the resources they need to keep kids out of trouble and to help them lead safe, productive lives," he said.

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