Bill > HB888

This bill increases the fines for littering in Mississippi, specifically amending Section 97-15-29 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The fines for a first offense of littering will now range from $100 to $500, an increase from the previous $50 to $250. For subsequent offenses, these minimum and maximum fines will be doubled. Additionally, a $100 assessment will be collected on each littering violation, with the funds initially going to the Law Enforcement Officers Monument Fund and later to a scholarship program for children of deceased or disabled law enforcement officers and firefighters. The bill also brings forward Section 97-15-30, which outlines penalties for unauthorized dumping of solid wastes, and clarifies that violations of that section, when the amount of waste is not for commercial purposes and does not exceed 15 pounds or 27 cubic feet, will be subject to the fines established in Section 97-15-29. The bill also retains provisions for additional penalties such as performing community service, repairing damages, and paying investigative costs, and specifies that the operator of a vehicle from which litter is thrown is considered in violation. This act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0888.xml