TX
Texas House Bill HB3342

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB3342

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

Caption

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.

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 SB1427

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

TX HB2599

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.

TX HB4014

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.

TX HB2330

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1709

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of sedition and engaging in organized criminal activity; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB2277

Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB523

Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1316

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.

TX HB3499

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.