Inslee signs bill to combat graffiti in Washington with innovative pilot program

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill Wednesday afternoon that aims to tackle the "rampant" spread of graffiti vandalism across Washington state.

House Bill 1989, which is sponsored by Rep. Andrew Barkis, will attempt to establish a pilot program designed to test technologies and techniques to hold vandals accountable and also restore the "aesthetics of public spaces through swift and efficient cleanup."

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The program, which will be overseen by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), includes the following:

• Field testing of state-of-the-art spray drone technology to cover up existing graffiti, ensuring prompt restoration of affected areas.
• Utilization of WSDOT-owned cameras to deter and identify perpetrators. Tolling and work safety zone enforcement cameras will not be utilized.
• Prioritization of the Interstate 5 Puget Sound region from Tacoma to Seattle and the north Spokane corridor for the deployment of innovative graffiti prevention techniques.

The bill will require the WSDOT to submit a report that details the program's progress to the Legislature by Dec. 1, according to officials. The report will also include the program's funding allocation, the effectiveness of identification methods and the results of spray drone testing.

This legislation is a testament to our commitment as lawmakers to restoring the dignity of our public infrastructure and ensuring Washington remains a place of pride for all its residents," said Barkis, R-Olympia. "I am confident this pilot program will make significant strides in combating graffiti vandalism and reestablishing a culture of respect for our shared spaces.

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Officials said the pilot program will conclude on July 1, 2025.

The explosion of graffiti in our state has become a serious concern that demands an immediate and comprehensive response," Barkis added. "This bill acknowledges the frustration Washingtonians feel about graffiti on our roadways and sends a clear message that enough is enough. We cannot continue allowing the actions of a few to shape the narrative of our communities.

HB 1989 will go into effect June 6.