HUNTINGTON BEACH : Mays Writing Bill Targeting Graffiti
Angered by vandalism that took place last week at the city’s new, $8.6-million downtown parking structure, Assemblyman Tom Mays (R-Huntington Beach) said Tuesday that he is co-authoring a bill to increase penalties for those convicted of graffiti charges.
“I am co-authoring (Assembly Bill) 446 because it will force vandals to clean up their mess and perform other types of community service, including up to 48 hours for the first offense and up to 96 hours for each subsequent offense,” Mays said. “We need to get tough on this type of crime.”
State law permits a judge to order a person convicted of painting graffiti to either pay restitution or go to jail. But the current law has no requirement for community service or for ordering the offender to clean up the graffiti.
Mays said his bill would require cleanup and community service in addition to any jail sentence and fine. Current law on graffiti has no provision for fines, but Mays’ bill would provide for one of up to $250.
“This legislation will help our local communities in the fight against vandalism,” said Mays, who was a mayor and councilman before being elected in November to the Legislature.
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