Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) Thursday announced he has reintroduced legislation-- Senate Bill 431 (not yet online, Senate Bill 973 last session)-- to reduce littering across Pennsylvania by increasing fines for the offense.

Currently, fines for littering under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) run from $50 to $300 for a first-time offense, and $300 to $1,000 for a second and subsequent offense.

Under Senate Bill 431, fines would be increased up to $2,000 for multiple offenses, based on the size and weight of litter.

In addition, the measure would increase the littering fines outlined in Title 75 (Vehicles), with heavier penalties for littering in an agriculture security area.

“When you look at all of the trash along our roadways and at illegal dump sites, it’s clear that the current fines are not enough to deter this crime,” said Sen. Scavello. “Littering is like graffiti and other acts of vandalism – when people engage in it without fear of punishment, it sends the message that no one cares and leads to more litter. Well, people do care. It’s bad for civic pride and bad for the environment, and we should do more to deter it.”

Sen. Scavello introduced a similar bill in the previous legislative session, securing unanimous approval by the Senate. The measure did not receive a vote by the House prior to the end of session.

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[Posted: Feb. 23, 2017]

2/27/2017