Panel Scratches Bill Tying Graffiti To Loss Of License

State representatives balked Monday at the idea of suspending driver’s licenses for misdemeanor graffiti offenses.

A divided House Judiciary Committee voted 6-5 to kill the bill, which would have bumped up the number of reasons a driver can lose a license in Idaho to 53.

Opponents said driver’s license suspension didn’t seem like the appropriate punishment for the crime.

“Where’s the logic between taking away a driver’s license and painting on the sides of buidings?” said Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden. “I don’t see it.”

Rep. Doug Jones, R-Filer, said teenagers were his target.

“Graffiti is a problem in a target age group,” said Jones. “Driver’s licenses are very valuable to people that age.”

Jones proposed similar legislation last year that passed the House but died in the Senate. , DataTimes