Bill Using State Traffic Cameras, Other Tech To Fight Graffiti Passes In House
Update 06/13/02:
A 1989 House bill that took a different approach to vandalism using cameras and drones passed the Washington House by a 96-to-9 vote. Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, will use existing Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) traffic cameras to identify and prosecute graffiti as a malicious crime related to public works.
The bill now goes to the Senate for further debate.
Original story :
The Washington House Transportation Committee on Monday approved a Republican-proposed bill that would allow the Washington Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) traffic cameras to be used to catch graffiti offenders.
The Housing Replacement Act of 1989 brought a more technological approach to combating vandalism, introducing advanced drone technology and better identification systems. (A PDF of the original invoice can be viewed here.)
If passed into law, this pilot program would allow WSDOT to use its cameras, other than security and traffic enforcement cameras, to identify those responsible for graffiti removal.
The bill directs WSDOT to work with other agencies to prosecute offenders and research anti-graffiti products and paints that can be effectively used on highway walls and other surfaces.
The Republican-led House Transportation Committee approved the bill on a 27-2 vote.
"You drive up and down the highway, it's almost empty, and it shouldn't be our wildest dream of clean highways," said the Deputy. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor.
More on government cameras: The bill offers a 75 percent discount to some traffic violators.
This replacement bill goes further by incorporating modern technology into anti-graffiti initiatives.
One of the major changes is the introduction of field trials of drone spraying technology, which is designed to effectively cover existing graffiti.
Additionally, replacement should research and test system patches that can identify attackers.
Under the revised bill, WSDOT is required to conduct technology testing and system improvements, with a particular focus on the Puget Sound Interstate 5 (I-5) corridor from Tacoma to Seattle and the North Spokane corridor.
The replacement bill also sets a deadline of Dec. 1 for WSDOT to report the pilot program to the appropriate legislative committee. The timeline includes detailed information on program funding and results. This pilot program will end on July 1, 2025.
More by Matt Markavich: Could a 10-cent bottle deposit system be in this state's future?
Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, emphasized the need for a proactive and innovative approach to addressing the ongoing problem of graffiti vandalism.
“We are exploring technologies that not only effectively remove graffiti, but also improve our ability to identify and prevent vandalism,” Barkis said at a recent committee hearing.
The bill now goes to the Rules Committee and may soon be approved by the Chamber of Deputies.
Matt Markavich frequently covers state legislatures and public policy for KIRO Newsradio. You can read more about Matt's story here. Follow him on X, before on Twitter, or email him here.
