ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland tenants and homeowners who vandalize or put graffiti on residential properties going through foreclosure could face steep fines and jail time under legislation proposed in Annapolis.
Delegate Andrew Serafini, R-Washington County, is sponsoring the measure, which would make it a misdemeanor punishable by as many as 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $10,000 to damage a property that is subject to a foreclosure action.
People convicted of this offense would also have to pay restitution costs or perform community service.
Serafini's proposal is scheduled for a House Committee hearing Tuesday afternoon.
Maryland officials say there were more than 50,000 properties in some state of foreclosure in 2009, but no data is available on how many were vandalized.
