This bill aims to increase penalties for various offenses related to littering, graffiti, improper use of travel lanes, and violations of the Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act in New Mexico. Specifically, the fine for littering is raised from $50 to $250, and violators may also be required to perform community service. For graffiti, the community service requirement is increased from 100 to 150 hours for damages of $1,000 or less, and from 160 to 200 hours for damages exceeding $1,000. Additionally, the penalty for improper use of a travel lane is increased from $250 to $500.

The bill also introduces new penalties for illegal dumping, categorizing violations based on the quantity of scrap tires involved. A misdemeanor charge applies for violations involving less than 5,000 pounds, while a fourth-degree felony charge is established for violations involving 5,000 pounds or more, as well as for illegal dumping as defined in the act, with fines up to $10,000. These changes reflect a legislative effort to deter littering and illegal dumping through stricter enforcement and higher penalties.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-8-4, 30-15-1.1, 66-8-116, 74-13-16