The Senate Wednesday unanimously passed Senate Bill 973 (Scavello-R-Monroe) increasing the fines for littering.
Currently, fines for littering under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) run from $50 to $300 for a first-time offense, and $300 to $1,000 for a second and subsequent offense. Senate Bill 973 boosts fines up to $2,000 for multiple offenses based on the size of weight and cubic feet of litter.
This legislation will also increase the littering fines outlined in Title 75 (Vehicles), with heavier penalties for littering from vehicles on highways, properties and water, including in an agricultural security area.
“I believe the current fine system is not a proper deterrent for this crime,” said Sen. Mario Scavello, prime sponsor of the bill. “The amount of trash along roadways and elsewhere is not just aesthetically unpleasant, it’s bad for the environment.”
The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
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