Town Wants Tougher Penalty For Graffiti

Twin Falls-area residents say spraying graffiti is not a harmless act and they want the Legislature to enact tougher penalties to halt would-be artists.

State Rep. Doug Jones, R-Filer, on Friday asked the Legislative Services Office to draft legislation which would stiffen the sanctions and prevent convicted vandals from getting driver’s licenses.

In California, it is illegal for minors to buy spray paint cans. Vandals can get up to a year in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. Los Angeles requires merchants to lock up spray paint and offers rewards for information leading to the conviction of the sprayers.

Dave Buddecke, a businessman who traded Southern California for southern Idaho this year, is pushing for tougher laws.

He said graffiti is the medium gangs use to communicate. He has launched Graffiti Busters, a nonprofit group that removes paint in 48 hours or less.

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