Bill > HB1407

This bill addresses offenses involving graffiti and property damage, focusing on providing courts with more rehabilitative options for offenders. The bill requires individuals convicted of malicious mischief in the third degree or criminal street gang tagging and graffiti to perform at least 40 hours of community restitution. For repeated offenses, the bill increases penalties, elevating a second criminal street gang tagging and graffiti offense from a gross misdemeanor to a class C felony. The legislation also introduces a new provision for "organized graffiti," which applies to situations where individuals cause significant property damage (over $25,000) either individually or as part of a group, or travel across state lines to commit malicious mischief. Additionally, the bill gives courts discretion to order offenders to clean up the damage they've caused, with the goal of providing a more constructive approach to punishment that emphasizes accountability and community restoration. The bill aims to discourage repeat offenses by making consequences more meaningful and potentially transformative, particularly for youth, by focusing on community service and direct repair of damage instead of solely relying on fines or incarceration.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1407&Year=2025&Initiative=false