This bill aims to prohibit the intentional disposal of yard waste into the surface waters of the state, amending existing law to include yard waste as a type of solid waste that cannot be placed in these areas. The bill modifies RSA 485-A:15, making it unlawful for any person to dispose of yard waste, along with other defined solid and hazardous wastes, into surface waters or on the ice and banks of such waters. The enforcement provisions are expanded to allow peace officers in New Hampshire to order the immediate removal of any materials involved in violations, and if the responsible party fails to comply, the state may contract for the removal at the violator's expense.

Additionally, the bill establishes a tiered penalty system for violations. A first offense will be classified as a violation, while subsequent offenses will escalate to a misdemeanor for individuals or a felony for entities other than natural persons. Furthermore, any person who knowingly violates the prohibition will face a class B felony charge. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local expenditures, it does not project any revenue generation.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 485-A:15
As Amended by the Senate: 485-A:15