Chapter 368

2014 -- S 2187

Enacted 07/02/14

 

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

 

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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LC003247
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