BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                                  WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE ANALYSIS

Author: Epple                    Amended: 05/17/93          Bill No.: AB 1179

Policy Committee: PUB. S.                                   Vote: 06-01
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Urgency: No                                             Hearing Date: 06/02/93

State Mandated Local Program: Yes                       Staff Comments By:

Reimbursable: No                                        Steve Archibald
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Summary 

This bill, the "1993 California Graffiti Omnibus Bill", enacts several 
šprovisions which enhance the punishment for graffiti, including the 
šfollowing:

1)  Expands the misdemeanor of brandishing a weapon in the presence of 
    another by specifying that the crime is committed when that other 
    person in cleaning up graffiti or vandalism.

2)  Specifically lists the removal of graffiti as an option for community 
    service when service is part of a sentence.

3)  Makes a second conviction for vandalism or specified graffiti crimes an 
    alternate felony/misdemeanor and authorizes the court to impose up to 
    300 hours of community service.

4)  Increases the civil penalties and community service hours for various 
    graffiti-related crimes.

5)  Creates a new misdemeanor for vandalism and graffiti committed within 
    100 feet of a highway and makes a second conviction an alternate 
    felony/misdemeanor. The court is also allowed to impose community 
    service.

Fiscal

Substantial incarceration cost increases resulting from enhanced sentences; 
špotential graffiti cleanup cost savings to various agencies by increasing 
šthe community service workforce applied to graffiti.

Potential revenue increases resulting from new and enhanced civil penalties.

SA