Bill would increase graffiti penalties

(AP) - Graffiti artists and tagging crews are on notice: marring a historic landmark will be a Class C felony if a new bill makes it through the Nevada Legislature.

SB257 also addresses everyday tagging. The punishment is equally harsh because courts would be able to total damage across separate incidents. The bill also recommends making offenders custodians for damaged property as part of their punishment.

Sen. Valerie Wiener of Las Vegas says the punishment is harsh because graffiti amounts to theft by damaging property values. In the case of sites like Red Rock, which was defaced in November, Wiener says the damage is even worse because there is no way to restore history.

No action was taken on the bill Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee.