The “Institutional Desecration Act” would toughen penalties for vandalizing a place because of its cultural identity or importance.
It received a Senate committee hearing this week.
Democratic Senator Stephanie Chang says recent escalated violence between Israel and Hamas brought the issue to the forefront:
“The plan was actually to take these up prior to recent events. However, I think we’ve heard loud and clear from my constituents and constituents from across the state that now is absolutely an important time for us to move forward.”
During the hearing questions arose over whether the bills would lead to someone being overcharged.
