H-2195.1

HOUSE BILL 1989

ByRepresentatives Barkis, Low, Jacobsen, Graham, Sandlin, Bergquist, Robertson, and Hutchins

AN ACT Relating to a graffiti abatement and reduction program; and adding a new section to chapter 47.01 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 47.01 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department must create a graffiti abatement and reduction program that includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the department is directed to test and determine whether there are antigraffiti products and paints that can effectively be used on highway walls and other facility surfaces, and report back recommendations for its usage to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2024.

(b) The department is authorized to use department-owned cameras, except those used for tolling or work safety zone enforcement, to identify persons who damage property with graffiti. Any pictures or video may be used to take legal action against any person who damages the department or other property with graffiti.

(c) The department is directed to coordinate with the Washington state patrol, state parks, federal and local law enforcement officers, the attorney general's office, or local prosecuting attorney's offices to pursue legal actions against people who have a pattern of conduct of damaging the department's and other property with graffiti.

(2) The department is directed to report to the appropriate committees of the legislature about the graffiti abatement and reduction program, including the use of funding and results of enforcement actions.

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