HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2294
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Passed House:
February 17, 2014
Title: An act relating to increasing penalties for littering.
Brief Description: Increasing penalties for littering.
Sponsors: Representatives Pike, Wylie, Stonier, Vick, Harris, Blake, Farrell, Moeller, Fitzgibbon, Sawyer, Bergquist and Pollet.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Environment: 1/29/14, 1/31/14 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/17/14, 81-17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Fitzgibbon, Chair; Senn, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Minority Member; Pike, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Farrell, Harris, Kagi, Nealey, Ortiz-Self and Tharinger.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Overstreet.
Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:
The Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Litter Control Act (Act), dating to 1971, establishes statewide programs to prevent and clean up litter, reduce waste, and increase recycling. The Act also prohibits littering on state and private lands not owned by the litterer. The Act vests police powers to enforce restrictions on littering with a variety of government personnel, including Department of Ecology and State Parks and Recreation Commission employees, local government agencies with law enforcement capabilities, Washington State Patrol officers, Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, fire wardens, and forest rangers.
Littering in an amount equal to less than one cubic foot is designated as a class 3 civil infraction, which means the violator is subject to base penalties of up to $50, with the exception of potentially dangerous litter like cigarettes, glass, and raw human waste, which is subject to heightened penalties. Additional fees and assessments are also applied to the base penalty for class 3 civil infractions. Littering in larger volumes subjects a violator to criminal misdemeanor penalties.
In addition, state traffic laws prohibit dropping materials onto highways, which is an infraction punishable with a base penalty of $87.
Summary of Bill:
Littering in an amount smaller than one cubic foot is raised to a class 2 civil infraction that subjects the violator to a penalty of up to $125, plus additional fees and assessments. This littering penalty is assessed separately from the $87 base penalty for dropping materials onto state highways.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.