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Anti-vandalism bill hurdles Senate
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Posted on Dec 27 2019
A bill that would protect properties from being vandalized now goes to the Governor’s Office after senators voted to pass House Bill 21-2 during a session last Monday on Capital Hill.
Authored by Rep. Joseph “Lee Pan” Guerrero (R-Saipan), the bill makes it unlawful to vandalize, i.e., any action that would involve the destruction, damage, and/or defacing of any public or private property.
“Vandalism is a serious concern that negatively impacts our islands. Such acts occur not only within private residences, but also in public areas where everybody can easily lay eyes upon the results of these heinous acts,” the bill states. “Such areas include our beaches, parks, and public and private establishments. These acts must be deterred for it destroys the pristine and tranquil outlook that the CNMI is well known for.”
Vandals would have to pay, for the first offense, $250 to $1,000 and render 40 hours of community service; for second offense, $1,000 to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment, and 80 hours of community service; and for third and any subsequent offenses, $5,000 to $10,000, up to one year imprisonment, and 120 hours of community service.
The bill also introduces a penalty of imprisonment of three days to six months for anyone who commits criminal mischief—if he or she intentionally or knowingly causes someone, by deception or threat, to suffer pecuniary or properly loss; or discards waste, debris, or trash on someone’s land or on any public land not designated as a disposal site.
Tampering with someone’s property or messing with public communication, transportation, or water and power supply will also be deemed also criminal mischief.
Guerrero initially called for stricter laws versus vandalism three years ago following the desecration of the Katori Jingu Shrine in October 2016.
Last year, in August, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang reiterated the need for stricter vandalism policies after markers in Beach Road, in recognition of former governor Froilan C. Tenorio, were desecrated.
