The proposed bill aims to enhance litter control and environmental cleanup efforts in West Virginia by establishing the "West Virginia Litter Control and Environmental Cleanup Act." It outlines the responsibilities of various state agencies, including the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, as well as county solid waste authorities. These agencies will coordinate efforts to oversee litter control, enforce existing laws, and maintain clean roadways and waterways. The bill also introduces the role of Litter Control Officers, who will have the authority to issue citations and fines for littering and illegal dumping, and provides funding eligibility for counties that employ these officers.

Additionally, the bill mandates the issuance of a Request for Proposal for a nonprofit independent contractor to manage statewide cleanup operations, including the removal of litter from illegal dumpsites and waterways. Funding for these initiatives will come from existing litter control funds, grants, and fines from litter violations. The bill requires annual reports on the effectiveness of the program to be submitted to the Legislature, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-37-1, 22-37-2, 22-37-3, 22-37-4, 22-37-5, 22-37-6, 22-37-7