Bill > H1606

This bill, concerning the destruction of monuments, graves, and tombstones, proposes to amend Section 73 of Chapter 272 of the General Laws by adjusting the penalties for such offenses. Specifically, it modifies the existing law to state that offenders could face imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years, or imprisonment in jail or a house of correction for not less than one year nor more than two and a half years, along with a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for each individual monument, gravestone, or tombstone that is desecrated, ruined, or destroyed, which is referred to as a "count" or "offense." Furthermore, the bill mandates that all money collected from fines, penalties, or restitution under this section must be used to fund the repair, rehabilitation, replacement of damaged or destroyed items, or the installation of security measures. It also clarifies that any court-ordered community service for individuals or groups involved in these offenses should be directed towards similar necessary projects and is to be considered separate from any fines, penalties, or restitution received.