SENATE Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan has introduced Senate Bill 22-28, which proposes a longer mandatory sentence for crimes committed within the premises of schools and youth centers.
Vinnie Sablan
H.B. 22-28 states, “An individual who is adjudged guilty of committing a crime against a person or property, who has committed said crime within the premises of a designated school and/or youth center, shall be subject to mandatory minimum jail terms of not less than one-half of the maximum term of the charge he or she is found guilty of committing, or five years, whichever is greater. Provided that for purposes of this subsection, ‘one-half’ shall pertain to the single, separate and non-aggregated charge of the longest duration. This term shall be imposed without the possibility of parole during this specific period.”
In an interview Sablan said the Public School System has made great efforts in providing students much needed equipment and materials to learn in these unprecedented times.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic has required the school system to retrofit classrooms and make substantial adjustments in providing students with an effective learning environment.
“A significant amount of resources [has] been utilized to ensure that our students continue to receive quality education. It is saddening that they have become victims [of] individuals who choose to take from the little resources our students have,” Sablan said.
