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2023 SESSION

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HB 2352 Hate symbol defacement; removal by localities from any public buildings, etc.

Introduced by: Suhas Subramanyam | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:


Removal of hate symbol defacement. Requires localities by ordinance to undertake or contract for the removal or repair of the hate symbol defacement of any public building, wall, fence, or other structure or any private building, wall, fence, or other structure where such hate symbol defacement is visible from any public right-of-way. The bill requires the ordinance to provide that whenever the property owner, after reasonable notice, fails to remove or repair the hate symbol defacement, the locality shall have such hate symbol defacement removed or repaired by its agents or employees. The bill defines "hate symbol defacement" as the unauthorized application by any means of any writing, painting, drawing, etching, scratching, or marking of an inscription, word, mark, figure, or design of any type intended to intimidate or harass any individual or group because of race, religion, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin. The bill provides that if the hate symbol defacement occurs on a structure located on an unoccupied property, and the locality removes or repairs the hate symbol defacement after complying with notice provisions, the actual cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the locality as taxes are collected; however, no lien shall be chargeable to the owners of such property unless the locality has given a minimum of 15 days notice to the property owner prior to the removal of the hate symbol defacement.


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