Spokane7
35°
Here’s a news item from the AP: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho police say the growing menace of graffiti merits felony punishment. They’re pushing a bill to create stiff fines of up to $5,000 and 5 years in prison for recalcitrant taggers whose art work can cause thousands in damage to private buildings, freeway overpasses, even traffic signs. Rep. Carlos Bilbao, a Republican from Emmett, said after an initial hearing Monday in the House Judiciary and Rules Committee that a misdemeanor graffiti law enacted in 1987 is no longer enough to keep spray paint-wielding outlaws bent on winning recognition in the shadowy world of underground artists in check. Police say a youngster who vandalizes property with a single can of paint would likely still face misdemeanor charges. But repeat offenders — and those who cause more than $1,000 in damage — could face the stiffer penalties called for by Bilbao’s measure.
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fortboise on January 25 at 4:16 p.m.
The “menace” of graffiti, huh.
Maybe we need a War on Graffiti?
Sisyphus on January 26 at 9:56 a.m.
Ohfergodsake. It would be very interesting to see the proposed fiscal impact of this bill. Until they can solve the very expensive overcrowding in the prisons, they ought not be looking to create more serious penalties.
ericn1300 on January 26 at 3:13 p.m.
I can see heavy fines and community service time but Idaho can’t really afford any more prisoners.