In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation (former HB 45 of 2013) that will increase fines for littering. I believe the current fine system is not a proper deterrent for this crime.
Currently, fines for littering under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) are no less than $50 and no more than $300 for a first-time offense, and no less than $300 and no more than $1,000 for a second and subsequent offense.
Under this legislation, fines would be imposed according to the following schedule:
- Littering of five pounds or less for the first offense: not less than $50 or more than $300
- Littering of more than five pounds but less than 100 pounds or 25 cubic feet for the first offense: not less than $300 or more than $500
- Littering of more than 100 pounds or 25 cubic feet or more for the first offense: not less than $500 or more than $1,000
- Littering of less than five pounds for the second and subsequent offense: not less than $100 or more than $500
- Littering of more than five pounds but less than 100 pounds or 25 cubic feet for the second and subsequent offense: not less than $500 or more than $1,000
- Littering of more than 100 pounds or 25 cubic feet for the second and subsequent offense: not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000
This legislation will also increase the littering fines outlined in Title 75 (Vehicles). The current fines in the Vehicle Code will be changed as follows:
- Violations that occur in an easement purchased under the Agricultural Area Security Law are currently subject to a fine of $900. That penalty will be changed to not less than $900, nor more than $1,500;
- Violations that occur in an agricultural security area are currently subject to a fine of $600. That penalty will be changed to not less than $600, nor more than $1,200; and
- Violations that occur in any other area are currently subject to a fine of $300. That penalty would be changed to the following schedule:
- Littering of five pounds or less for the first offense: $100
- Littering of more than five pounds, but less than 100 pounds or 25 cubic feet for the first offense: $500
- Littering of more than 100 pounds or more than 25 cubic feet for the first offense: $1,000
- Littering of five pounds or less for the second and subsequent offense: $500
- Littering of more than five pounds, but less than 100 pounds or 25 cubic feet for the second and subsequent offense: $1,000
- Littering of more than 100 pounds or more than 25 cubic feet for the second and subsequent offense: $2,000
If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov. Thank you for your consideration. |
