TX
Texas House Bill HB1558

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB1558

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to certain criminal penalties and civil consequences for defendants convicted of an offense of graffiti and for juveniles adjudicated as having engaged in conduct involving graffiti.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to have a significant impact on how graffiti offenses are prosecuted and penalized in Texas. It mandates restitution, which could potentially deter individuals from vandalizing public property due to the financial repercussions involved. Additionally, it includes a community service requirement for offenders unable to pay restitution, thereby promoting community engagement and responsibility while addressing the damages done.

Summary

House Bill 1558 seeks to address criminal penalties and civil consequences related to graffiti offenses, particularly for those convicted under Texas Penal Code Section 28.08. The bill allows courts to order restitution for damages caused by graffiti, requiring offenders to either pay for the cost of restoration or restore the property themselves with the owner's consent. This includes provisions for both adults and juveniles, emphasizing accountability for actions that damage public and private property.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 1558 is how it engages with juvenile offenders. Critics may argue that imposing strict penalties on youth for graffiti-related offenses could result in harsher life outcomes, potentially pushing them into the criminal justice system at an early age. On the other hand, supporters contend that accountability measures, such as requiring restitution and community service, are essential for instilling responsibility in young individuals and preventing future offenses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB3854

Relating to creating the criminal offense of possession of an animal by a person convicted of multiple offenses involving animal cruelty and to conditions of punishment and community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX SB1427

Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX SB1004

Relating to creating the criminal offense of tampering with an electronic monitoring device and to certain consequences on conviction of that offense.

TX SB1900

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization and of sedition.

TX HB3549

Relating to creating the criminal offense of tampering with an electronic monitoring device and to certain consequences on conviction of that offense.

Similar Bills

TX HB1633

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the offense of graffiti and to certain conditions imposed on defendants convicted of that offense or on juveniles adjudicated as having engaged in conduct in violation of that offense.

CA AB1213

Restitution: priority.

AZ SB1089

Liens; fees; exemption

CA AB503

Wards: probation.

CA AB2432

California Victims of Crime Act.

CA AB484

Sentencing enhancements: property loss.

TX SB2218

Relating to certain criminal penalties and civil consequences for defendants convicted of an offense of graffiti and for juveniles adjudicated as having engaged in conduct involving graffiti.

CA AB1186

Restitution fines.