Bill would increase vandalism penalties Elevates rioting charge, fines cities over statues NIKI KELLY | The Journal Gazette INDIANAPOLIS – State lawmakers are taking a stand against destruction or vandalism to public monuments or statues – increasing the criminal penalty and taking money from cities or other units of government that fail to protect the memorials. The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee significantly amended a bill Wednesday and then passed it 9-3, with Democrats opposed. The move comes after several monuments and memorials were damaged – or even torn down – during protests and riots last year. In Fort Wayne, messages saying “Quit Pigs” and “BLM” were spray painted on the Police and Firefighters Memorial.