Paul Hammel, Omaha World Herald
January 15, 2009

LINCOLN – Two South Omaha state senators are teaming up to combat graffiti, a long-time problem in Omaha and other cities across the state.

One proposal, Legislative Bill 277, would make it a misdemeanor crime to sell spray paint or industrial markers to minors. It was introduced by freshman State Sen. Heath Mello.

Another, LB 276, introduced by another first-year lawmaker, Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, proposes tougher penalties for those caught spraying graffiti, and would enhance penalties for graffiti that is gang-related.

Second-offense "gang-related graffiti," for instance, would become a felony offense, punishable by up to five years in prison.

The senators said that graffiti not only damages property but depresses morale in a community.

"It’s time we treated graffiti as a serious crime," Nordquist said.