Tulsa mayor plans to veto spray paint ordinance

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Tulsa’s mayor plans to veto a proposed ordinance that would restrict minors’ rights to purchase and possess aerosol spray paint.

The Tulsa World reports that Mayor G.T. Bynum told city councilors Monday that he’ll veto the proposal.

The measure would have a fine of up to $200 and could come with possible jail time.

Councilor Connie Dodson says the measure is needed to address the city’s graffiti problem and discourage the practice of inhaling aerosol fumes to achieve an intoxicating effect.

Bynum says minors have represented only 15 percent of individuals arrested since 2015 for “malicious mischief,” the city criminal code category that includes vandalism. He says he’s concerned by the burden the ordinance would put on businesses selling aerosol products and the potential increase of young people in jail.