The bill aims to address the growing issue of unlawful solid waste dumping in Washington State by amending existing laws and creating a new enforcement framework. It recognizes that illegal dumping, which often includes hazardous materials, poses significant environmental and financial burdens. The legislation proposes to shift the penalties for most illegal dumping from criminal offenses to civil infractions, thereby reducing the burden on the criminal justice system and avoiding criminal records for individuals who may lack access to proper waste disposal options. The bill also introduces a tiered penalty system based on the volume of litter, with specific monetary penalties for different amounts of waste, and allows for community service as part of the penalties.

Key amendments include the redefinition of littering offenses, with violations categorized based on the amount of litter involved, and the introduction of restitution payments for cleanup costs. The bill specifies that individuals found guilty of littering may be required to pay restitution equal to four times the actual cleanup cost for misdemeanors and natural resource infractions, and two times for gross misdemeanors. Additionally, it allows for the delegation of enforcement authority among various state agencies to enhance the effectiveness of the response to illegal dumping. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a more effective deterrent against unlawful dumping while promoting accountability and environmental stewardship.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.200.060, 7.84.100, 70A.200.140, 70A.305.180, 79.100.030
Substitute Bill: 70A.200.060, 7.84.100, 70A.200.140, 70A.305.180, 79.100.030, 79.100.100, 7.84.140, 7.84.020, 70A.200.070
Engrossed Substitute: 70A.200.060, 7.84.100, 70A.200.140, 70A.305.180, 7.84.140, 7.84.020, 70A.200.070
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.200.060, 7.84.100, 7.84.140, 7.84.020
Session Law: 70A.200.060, 7.84.100, 7.84.140, 7.84.020