Relating to certain criminal penalties for and civil consequences of damaging property with graffiti.
Impact
The bill modifies existing statutes to impose stricter penalties on individuals found guilty of graffiti-related offenses. It enables courts to mandate the suspension of a person's driver's license upon conviction under the relevant section of the Penal Code. This adds an additional layer of consequence for offenders and aims to deter potential violations by making the repercussions more significant.
Summary
House Bill 3342 proposes amendments to Texas Penal Code relating to criminal penalties for damaging property with graffiti. The bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding graffiti-related offenses, classifying certain offenses as state jail felonies based on the location where the graffiti is applied, such as on schools and places of worship. This change seeks to address the rising concerns about property damage and the societal impact of graffiti vandalism.
Contention
While the bill aims to enhance the legal consequences of graffiti vandalism, it may face criticism regarding its implications for civil liberties and the effectiveness of such measures in actually reducing the incidence of graffiti. Opponents might argue that increased penalties do not necessarily correlate with a decrease in vandalism, and could disproportionately affect younger individuals or those less able to bear the financial burdens set forth by such legislation.
Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to prohibiting the possession of a firearm by a person in a criminal street gang; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties; changing eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the acquisition of title to real property by, the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization.