Representative Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, is again attempting to pass legislation that would crack down on rampant graffiti vandalism and illegal highway blockades in Washington.

House Bill 1407 includes provisions aimed at curbing the increase of graffiti in areas across the state, according to a news release from House Republicans.

If passed, the bill would require individuals convicted of graffiti-related offenses or malicious mischief to complete at least 40 hours of community restitution. Repeat offenders would face stricter penalties, with a second or subsequent conviction for graffiti classified as a Class C felony.

To further deter organized graffiti, an additional 12 months would be added to the standard prison sentence for offenders involved in large-scale or coordinated graffiti. For juveniles convicted of malicious mischief, the bill would mandate community restitution as an alternative to traditional punishments, ensuring accountability and opportunities for rehabilitation, the news release stated.

Additionally, the bill would allocate state funding from 2025-27 to assist law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting graffiti on Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) property, with reporting required to track outcomes.

Barkis said the goal of his bill is to strike a balance between accountability and rehabilitation.

"Graffiti vandalism is a growing problem — along Interstate 5 through Tacoma, in the streets of Seattle and Spokane, and in many other places across Washington. It is clear we need a stronger, more effective approach that disincentivizes further defacement of public and private property," Barkis stated in the news release. "I am confident law enforcement will continue exploring innovative ways to catch taggers, but once they do, we must ensure there is a system in place that holds offenders accountable for their actions. We cannot have a system that slaps offenders on the wrist, emboldening them to go out and commit the same crime."

In addition to HB1407, Barkis has introduced legislation that would create significant penalties for individuals and organizers involved in illegal highway blockades. The Second Legislative District lawmaker sponsored a similar bill last year, but it was not given a hearing.

According to the news release, House Bill 1323 proposes that individuals who intentionally block state highways while acting with three or more people face gross misdemeanor charges.

For those who organize or lead such activities, the bill introduces stricter consequences, elevating the offense to a Class C felony with mandatory penalties, including a minimum fine of $5,000 and at least 30 days in jail. Repeat offenders, or those whose actions result in harm or delays to emergency services, would face enhanced penalties.

"This legislation is about protecting commuters and communities alike, ensuring those who put the public at risk through reckless and illegal behavior face appropriate consequences for their actions," Barkis stated in the release. "Last year, highway blockades disrupted lives, delayed emergency services and created unnecessary risks on our roads. By passing this bill, lawmakers can send a clear message that Washington will not tolerate these stunts going forward. It is critical we prioritize the needs of law-abiding Washingtonians over criminals who have no respect for their fellow citizens."

Both bills have bipartisan support and are awaiting further action in committee.