Number
041220
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to restricting the sale and possession of etching cream and establishing a graduated penalty for persons convicted of graffiti-related vandalism.
Sections
106-34-0 am
106-34-1-a rn
106-34-1-a cr
106-34-1-b rn
106-34-1-c rn
106-34-2 am
106-34-3-0 am
106-34-3-b am
106-34-3-c am
110-15.5-2 rc
Analysis
Currently, the penalty for persons convicted of graffiti-related vandalism is a forfeiture of $500 to $5,000, regardless of the dollar amount of defacement, damage or destruction caused. This ordinance establishes that if the amount of damage to physical property is $500 or less, the penalty for persons convicted of graffiti-related vandalism is a forfeiture of $500 to $2,000 per violation, and, if the amount of damage is more than $500, the penalty is a forfeiture of $1,000 to $2,000 per violation. In addition, this ordinance restricts for any person under the age of 18 the sale and possession of etching cream.
Body
Whereas, Graffiti is a serious vandalism problem that demonstrates the violator's disrespect for other people's property and for the values of the community as a whole; and
Whereas, Graffiti-related vandalism has evolved to include the use of acid-based glass etching cream which acts as liquid sandpaper on glass and is being used to destroy windows and store fronts; and
Whereas, Because the use of this cream constitutes a more egregious attack against physical property, it is appropriate to restrict the sale of etching cream and impose a higher penalty on graffiti vandals who cause a greater dollar amount of defacement, damage or destruction to physical property; now, therefore
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 106-34-0 of the code is amended to read:
106-34. Sale of Spray Paint>>, Etching Cream<< and Wide-Tipped Markers to Minors.
Part...
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