McDougle’s Legislation Targets Graffiti Violators

Richmond, Virginia – Yesterday Delegate Ryan McDougle’s (R-Hanover) House Bill 1877 passed unanimously out of the Senate Local Government Committee after passing successfully out of the House of Delegates earlier this session. McDougle’s bill will stiffen the penalties for graffiti violations and require a mandatory minimum fine of $500 if the graffiti is more than 20 feet off the ground, on a railroad or highway overpass, or in association with a criminal street gang. Additionally, the bill will grant localities the authority to clean up this unwanted graffiti.

A Hanover resident approached McDougle earlier last summer with concerns over the growing problem of graffiti. At a graffiti task force meeting, citizens discussed ways to remedy the growing problem of graffiti in the Commonwealth. McDougle agreed to sponsor this legislation which will address this serious issue. The Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce estimates that public and private sources are spending in excess of $1 million a year combating and cleaning up graffiti in the Metro Richmond area. This is a constantly growing amount. Other supporters of this bill are the Greater Richmond Retail Merchants Association and the Office of the Attorney General.

“We need to address the growing vandalism of graffiti. Graffiti on high bridges, buildings and overpasses is costly and dangerous to remove. This legislation will address these violations and make graffiti violators think twice before acting while giving localities the tool to clean up our community. As graffiti is often associated with gang activity, we need to send a message that these actions will not be tolerated,” said McDougle.

The picture attached shows the work of a graffiti violator who damaged a bridge on I-295 in the Richmond area. This one act of graffiti cost over $7,000 to clean up. Graffiti such as the picture shown is a growing, state-wide problem.

McDougle’s bill passed the Senate and must now be approved by the Governor before becoming law.

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