Washington schools would gain a new tool to combat gang and criminal activity near campuses under legislation proposed by Sen. Randy Gordon, D-Bellevue.

Senate Bill 6512, which received a public hearing in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, creates school safety zones within 1,000 feet of public school facilities. School officials would be able to order anyone they believe is engaging in criminal activity, such as gang intimidation or criminal trespass, to stay out of the zone for 24 hours. People who violate the order could be arrested and charged with a gross misdemeanor. The exclusion could be extended up to three months with a written notice.

Judicial review for such exclusion orders is provided to conform with constitutional requirements.

Currently there is little school officials can do to prevent gang members from hanging out near schools to harass, intimidate and recruit new members.

“The children in our schools have a right to learn free of intimidation and harassment, and this bill ensures they have a safe environment in which to learn,” Gordon said.

The bill was requested by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to combat the gang problem and includes recommendations from the state Gangs in Schools Task Force that formed in 2007.

The bill is still under consideration in the Senate education committee.

The legislation complements another bill, Senate Bill 6511, requiring school districts to maintain a written policy prohibiting gang and hate group activity on school property and school events.