AUSTIN- Rep. Ortiz announced today that he has filed legislation aimed at fighting graffiti in Corpus Christi.

"The graffiti problem is completely out of hand in Corpus Christi," Ortiz said. "Vandals are indiscriminately tagging homes, buildings, and fences throughout the city, without any concern for public or private property. This bill gives law enforcement the tools it needs to combat this blight on the community."

FM 385 adds a felony graffiti offense to the list of offenses eligible for prosecution under the organized crime designation, allowing prosecutors to seek higher penalties for gang-related graffiti.

"The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) knows that much of the graffiti in Corpus is connected to gang rivalries," Ortiz said. "This provision will allow CCPD to go after and break up graffiti gangs."

The bill also changes the definition of graffiti to include markings made by any kind of paint, instead of just aerosol paint. In addition, it adds graffiti to the list of crimes where contraband can be seized, and expands the list of contraband items to include cameras and laptops that graffiti taggers use to publicize their crimes on the internet.

Park facilities, businesses, homes, murals, playgrounds, and schools have all been targets for taggers.

"Volunteer groups, artists, and city workers have done a heroic job in their efforts to clean up graffiti, but they can't do it all" Ortiz said. "Its time we stepped up and allowed law enforcement the ability to fight crime and reduce graffiti."

Ortiz represents House District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his offices on this or any issue of interest at (361) 991-0047 or (512) 463- 0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the House of Representatives website at www.house.state.tx.us.