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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to HB 137

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

State Highway and Transportation Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

The bill amends the Motor Vehicle Code "penalty assessment misdemeanor" to increase fines for "litterbugging" from $100 to $300. The bill also amends existing statutes to prohibit putting trash on the highway.

Significant Issues

The bill raises the penalty for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor for littering. The intent is to reduce litter discarded from automobiles on state roadways.

The effectiveness of the bill is dependent on citation and conviction of offenders. Within the past five years, there have been approximately 250 (averaging 50 per year) convictions, or assessed fines regarding this section of the Motor Vehicle Code on a statewide basis.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Based on the average number of assessed fines annually (50), this bill would generate approximately $10.0 annually if enforcement and conviction patterns remain the same.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

This bill would have no administrative impact because the department does not impose fines or collect fees.

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