Teenagers caught vandalizing property with graffiti may have their driving privileges suspended under a proposed law before the General Assembly.
“What this will do is target the population responsible for graffiti,” said Del. Nicholaus Kipke, R-Anne Arundel, the bill?s sponsor.
Kipke?s proposal would punish juveniles caught in the act of making graffiti by suspending their licenses for six months. There would be restricted licenses given to those who need to drive themselves to work or school.
If the teenager doesn?t have a license, that person would have to wait an additional six months before applying for a learner?s permit or driver?s license.
The current punishment is community service, Kipke said.
“The only way to deter them is a penalty that affects something they yearn for ? driving,” he said.
Kipke said graffiti has become more frequent in his district, which includes Pasadena, Glen Burnie and Brooklyn Park.
Officials fear that a rise in graffiti could point to increased gang activity, or even youngsters emulating gang culture.
“I?ve seen things get constructed, and days later there would be graffiti on it,” said Anne Arundel County Council member Ron Dillon Jr., R-District 3. “You have to wonder if it is an underlying problem.”
Anne Arundel County police did not readily have data on graffiti incidents in the county.
“We would be willing to hear out what [the bill] has to offer and it can help us out,” said county police spokeswoman Sgt. Sara Schriver.
As for support of the bill, Kipke has 19 other co-sponsors from Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Montgomery counties from both political parties.
AAA Mid-Atlantic would likely not take a position on the bill as it not related to driver safety, said spokeswoman Ragina Averella.
If you go
» What: Hearing on the bill, titled HB161, before the House Judiciary Committee
» When: 1 p.m. Tuesday
» Where: Room 100, House Office Building, Annapolis
» Info: mlis.state.md.us
