CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada senators have passed a bill creating a felony-level offense for multiple graffiti convictions.
Lawmakers voted 12-9 on Sunday to pass AB244, with Democrats opposed. The bill already passed the Assembly on mostly party lines.
The measure would require anyone with two or more convictions for graffiti offenses, including at least one that's a felony, to be automatically charged with a Class D felony. That charge carries a penalty of one to four years in prison.
Supporters said the measure would help combat repeat offenders who create significant costs for graffiti repair.
Democratic Sen. Aaron Ford and others opposed, saying the punishment didn't fit the crime and the measure would disproportionately affect minorities.