Bilboa’s Bill Targets Graffiti

Rep. Carlos Bilbao, R-Emmett, offered a plan Monday to increase punishments levied on those who graffiti traffic signs and buildings.  Bilbao pitched the proposal to the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee. Bilboa cited the costs of cleanup as his reasoning for bringing the legislation before the committee.  During his testiBimony, Bilbao said counties, cities, and business owners are being forced to absorb the cost of removing or painting over the destruction, which can sometimes have up to a $10,000 price tag. The legislation could also apply to those who shoot and leave bullet holes in roads signs because it is a matter of public safety, said Bilbao. He said he is particularly concerned about motorists who drive in the middle of the night and may miss warning sign because the sign has been shot up or painted over/ Dustin Hurst , Idaho Reporter. More here .

Question: Should state law be changed to charge a felony against those who shoot up traffic signs and paint graffiti that costs more than $1000 to clean up?