Associated Press
January 14, 2009

Minors wouldn’t be able to buy spray paint or industrial-strength markers, under a bill from an Omaha senator.

New state Sen. Heath Mello introduced the bill (LB277) Wednesday. Adults also couldn’t buy spray paint for a minor, although an exception would be made for parents buying supplies for their children.

Another bill (LB276), from Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha, would bring harsher penalties for gang-related graffiti.

It also would allow a judge to order a defendant to clean up or repair the defaced property, mandate counseling and revoke driving privileges.

Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha earlier introduced a bill (LB64) that creates the specific offense of "unauthorized application of graffiti" and specifies penalties.