OLYMPIA, Wash. — New tactics to fight taggers are in the works for state lawmakers to consider when the Washington state legislative session begins next month.
Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, has pre-filed legislation that takes a three-pronged approach to address the costly problem of graffiti along state highways.
HB 1989 would direct the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to evaluate various anti-graffiti products that can be used to coat the surfaces of roadway infrastructures to prevent spray paint from adhering or make it easier to remove.
RELATED: Pierce County proposes new budget to tackle escalating graffiti, litter issues
The bill would also allow law enforcement to utilize WSDOT’s network of traffic cameras to help identify and arrest people who put up tags along the roadways.
Lastly, the legislation would direct WSDOT to better coordinate with other government agencies to pursue legal actions against people who put up graffiti.
WSDOT estimates its maintenance teams spent $1.4 million on graffiti removal over the past two years only to see taggers return and mark up the same areas once they’ve been cleaned.
RELATED: ‘It’s everywhere:’ Taggers use state equipment as Seattle’s graffiti problem worsens along I-5
“Graffiti is not just an eyesore; it is also a costly nuisance that threatens public safety and drains taxpayer dollars,” Barkis said in a press release that announced the proposed legislation. “If passed by the Legislature and signed into law, House Bill 1989 will empower us to protect our infrastructure investments, hold perpetrators accountable, and reclaim public spaces for all to enjoy. We cannot allow the actions of a few to continue shaping the narrative of our communities.”
The bill must now be assigned to a legislative committee to be considered during the 2024 legislative session.