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Students testify as Senate advances graffiti-liability bill requiring cleanup or alternative restitution for minors
Summary
Following testimony from Jackson Elementary students, the Senate moved House Bill 85 (graffiti civil and criminal liability) to the third-reading calendar; the bill allows courts to order minors or parents to pay for cleanup or perform community service, but senators debated 'may' vs 'shall' language and how indigent youths would pay for paint or cleanup.
Senators advanced House Bill 85, which adds graffiti and defacement to criminal mischief provisions and establishes civil and restorative options for offenders, after a high-profile committee-of-the-whole hearing featuring testimony from elementary-school students.
Senator Baird introduced HB85 and invited students from Jackson Elementary who described neighborhood problems including drive‑by shootings and widespread graffiti. Student Lillian Jacque said her mother was nearly shot at while working in a store and urged the Senate to…
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