2014 -- S 2187

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LC003247

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LITTER CONTROL AND

RECYCLING

     Introduced By: Senators Gallo, Lynch, DaPonte, Goodwin, and Ruggerio

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 37-15-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-15 entitled "Litter

Control and Recycling" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     37-15-7. Penalties. -- (a) Any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter shall,

except where a penalty is specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than eighty-five

dollars ($85.00), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine

imposed hereunder, the person so convicted may be ordered to pick up litter for not less than two

(2), nor more than twenty-five (25), hours.

      (b) Any person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this chapter shall,

except where a penalty is specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than three hundred

dollars ($300), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine

imposed upon a second or subsequent violation of this chapter, the person so convicted may be

ordered to pick up litter for not less than four (4), nor more than fifty (50), hours.

      (c) Jurisdiction to punish violators of the provisions of this chapter is conferred on the

traffic tribunal.

      (d) Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall, in addition to all other

penalties, be liable for the removal, or cost of removal, of all litter illegally disposed of by that

person. The traffic tribunal may hold the registration of any vehicle owned by the violator and

used in the act of littering until the aforementioned liability is satisfied.

      (e) The funds received by a state law enforcement agency shall be deposited as general

revenues.; provided, however, that thirty percent (30%) of any fine collected pursuant to a

complaint filed by a local law enforcement agency shall inure to the benefit of that agency, with

remittances to be made not less often than once every three (3) months.

      (f) Penalties of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) for violations of section §37-15-7 may be

disposed of without the necessity of personally appearing before the traffic tribunal. Said penalty

may be handled administratively by mailing a check or money order, together with the properly

executed form provided, to the appropriate address as set forth in the summons issued by the

enforcing agent.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LITTER CONTROL AND

RECYCLING

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     This act would provide that thirty percent (30%) of any fine for littering collected

pursuant to a complaint filed by a local law enforcement agency would inure to the benefit of that

agency, with remittances to be made not less often than once every three (3) months.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003247

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