(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives approved House Bill 18 by a vote of 27 to one and unanimously by a reconsideration vote of 34 to zero on Thursday. Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage), HB 18 increases the possible award against a parent of a child who is guilty of vandalism. Any plaintiff of a vandalism case, whether a person, organization, corporation, municipality, or school district, will be able to recover up to $15,000 in damages, and court costs, from the parent or legal guardian of the minor held responsible. The current limit is $10,000.

"Alaska has always held parents accountable for the actions of their children," Meyer said. "The time has come for the state to increase the financial side of that responsibility, and persuade more parents to deter vandalism before it happens."

A driving force behind HB 18 is the amount of vandalism that the Anchorage School District suffered last summer. ASD said that minors caused about $750,000 worth of damage to schools and other facilities. The money that ASD spent to repair the damage could have provided technological advancements or other improvements. Meyer said that such damages call for an increase in parental liability.

"We cannot afford to let these damages continue," Meyer said. "Hopefully, parents will feel that they can't afford it, either, and will keep a closer eye on their kids."

HB 18 moves to the Senate.

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