The bill amends RCW 70A.200.060 to enhance penalties for littering in Washington State. It reclassifies the civil infraction for littering less than or equal to one cubic foot from a class 3 to a class 2 infraction. Additionally, it introduces a new section that establishes a littering solutions task force under the Department of Ecology, which will provide policy recommendations aimed at reducing littering in the state. The task force will include representatives from various state departments and industries, and it is tasked with considering factors such as the results of a 2022 statewide litter study and strategies to reduce litter at specific public sites.

The bill also outlines specific penalties for different amounts of litter, including a misdemeanor for littering between one cubic foot and ten cubic yards, and a gross misdemeanor for littering more than ten cubic yards. It mandates restitution payments for cleanup costs, with the court having the discretion to order community service in state parks for violations occurring in those areas. The Department of Ecology is required to submit a status update and a final report on the task force's recommendations to the legislature by specified deadlines.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.200.060