H-0359.3
HOUSE BILL 1407
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Barkis, Hackney, Ley, Jacobsen, and Caldier
Read first time 01/20/25. Referred to Committee on Community Safety.
AN ACT Relating to offenses involving graffiti or other damage to property; amending RCW 9A.48.105 , 9.94A.533 , 9A.20.030 , 36.28A.210 , and 13.40.0357 ; reenacting and amending RCW 9A.04.110 and 9.94A.515 ; adding a new section to chapter 9A.48 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 9.94A RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that an increase in graffiti and defacement of public and private property damages and detracts from the general enjoyment of community spaces. This act provides the court with more options for offenders to rectify their mistakes. The intent of this act is to discourage graffiti and other malicious mischief crimes by including community service hours or actual damage cleanup as a court-issued punishment. Adults are paying the fines for some youth, so the offender is not experiencing consequences that would lead to better behavior. Prosecutors are unlikely to recommend actual jail time for minor crimes. Therefore, picking up trash in state parks, scrubbing off paint, or doing other forms of community restitution provides a reformative opportunity. This act is building on policies that currently exist in the justice system with the expectation of better outcomes for all involved.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 9A.48 RCW to read as follows: