Bill > S1231

This bill amends Section 16 of Chapter 270 of the Massachusetts General Laws to strengthen penalties for littering and specifically addresses littering in public spaces and near waterways. The legislation increases fines for individuals who place, throw, deposit, or discharge trash, bottles, cans, refuse, rubbish, garbage, debris, scrap, waste, or other materials on public highways, public lands, private property, or conservation lands. For littering on land, the first offense will now carry a fine of up to $5,500, and subsequent offenses will be punishable by fines up to $15,000. For littering in or near coastal or inland waters, the first offense will result in a fine of up to $6,800, and subsequent offenses will carry fines up to $18,750. An important provision of the bill is that 50% of these fines will be deposited into a conservation trust, and courts may require violators to remove the littered materials at their own expense. The bill also maintains a defense for landowners who give permission for materials to be placed on their property, ensuring that the law does not unfairly penalize property owners.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1231