Bill > HB5173

This bill establishes the West Virginia Rural Littering and Illegal Dumping Prevention Act, aiming to combat litter and illegal dumping by enhancing penalties and strengthening enforcement. Key provisions include increasing fines for illegal dumping, particularly for large-scale incidents (defined as 500 pounds or more of waste or 216 cubic feet or greater), and making such offenses a felony with significantly higher fines and longer potential imprisonment. The bill also introduces enhanced penalties for dumping near protected waters or wetlands, mandates restitution and site cleanup for offenders, and allows for the forfeiture of vehicles used in illegal dumping. Furthermore, it creates a dedicated "Rural Illegal Dumping Prevention Fund" to support cleanup efforts, grants to local authorities, public education, and equipment purchases, and grants enforcement authority to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), county solid waste authorities, and appointed Litter Control Officers, who can issue citations and investigate violations. The bill also mandates improved signage on rural roads to inform the public about penalties and reporting procedures.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5173&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill