The bill amends existing laws regarding littering and debris removal on state highways in Washington. It establishes stricter penalties for littering, including increasing the restitution payment for litter cleanup from twice to four times the actual cleanup cost, and specifies that for violations occurring on state highways, 75% of the restitution payment will be allocated to the state for waste reduction and litter control efforts. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition of "large debris," which includes hazardous items that could pose risks to motorcyclists, and outlines the responsibilities of the court in distributing restitution payments.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the allocation of funds within the waste reduction, recycling, and litter control account. It specifies that 100% of receipts from litter cleanup restitution payments will be directed to the Department of Transportation for the prevention and cleanup of highway debris, with a focus on large debris removal. The bill also emphasizes the importance of community restitution in state parks for littering violations and outlines the use of funds for various waste reduction and recycling programs, ensuring that local governments can effectively address litter control and waste management initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.200.060, 70A.205.425, 70A.200.140
Substitute Bill: 70A.200.060, 70A.200.140