Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 2620

Brief Description:  Distributing litter law information.

Sponsors:  Representatives Romero, Miloscia and Upthegrove.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires the Department of Licensing to include information on litter prevention in the Washington State Driver Guide.

Hearing Date:  2/11/02

Staff:  Reema Griffith (786‑7301).

Background:

Under current law the Department of Ecology (DOE) is required to, among other things, conduct a permanent and continuous program to control and remove litter.  Part of this mandate includes increasing public awareness of the need for waste reduction, recycling and litter control, and coordinating the litter collection efforts of other agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The need for litter control education was emphasized when a recent DOE study indicated that each year, an estimated 16 million pounds of litter accumulate on state highways, while only 25 percent of the litter is being picked up.  Other reports indicate that litter, in the form of debris, on roadways can also pose a safety hazard.  The DOT reported in 1999 that there were 347 accidents related to road debris.

One of the ways the DOE litter program is carrying out its legislative charge is by implementing a statewide anti‑litter campaign this spring, which will be aimed at curbing roadway litter  generated either by deliberate acts of motorists, or from unsecured loads.  Another possible approach to reducing litter/debris on the roadway, which DOE is interested in pursuing, is to include litter law information in educational materials.

Summary of Bill:

HB 2620 requires that the Department of Licensing Driver Guide include information on litter prevention which shall, at a minimum, address the prohibitions and penalties for failing to carry a litter bag in a vehicle, failing to secure loads, and for throwing dangerous materials onto the roadway.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 8, 2002.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.