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H 3695

An Act relative to littering

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Prohibits littering from motor vehicles on public or private property; violators face civil penalties: $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 surchargeable to auto insurance.

Hearing rescheduled to 10/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-11:45 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 3695

Summary: H.3695 An Act relative to littering

Overview

H.3695, introduced February 27, 2025, is a Massachusetts bill titled “An Act relative to littering.” The core purpose is to prohibit littering from motor vehicles and establish civil penalties for violations. The bill would add a new provision to Chapter 90 of the General Laws and designate violations as civil motor vehicle infractions with escalating fines. The act would take effect upon passage.

Key provisions

  • New prohibition (Section 22G 1/2):
    • No operator of a motor vehicle, nor an occupant of the vehicle, may litter on public or private property by disposing of trash or garbage from the vehicle.
  • Enforcement and penalties:
    • Violations are civil motor vehicle infractions.
    • Civil citations would be issued under Chapter 90C.
    • Fines:
    • First offense: $100
    • Second offense: $250
    • Third or subsequent offense: $500
    • A civil citation issued under this section would be a surchargeable offense under Section 113B of Chapter 175 (i.e., potential impact on auto insurance premiums).
  • Effective date (Section 2): The Act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary targets: Motor vehicle operators and vehicle occupants who litter from vehicles.
  • Application scope: Littering from vehicles on both public and private property.
  • Enforcement mechanism: Civil citations under Chapter 90C, rather than criminal penalties.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Transportation.
  • Senate concurrence: Session records indicate concurrence in a related matter, with cross-filed or related actions in prior sessions (e.g., similar matter in 2023-2024, H.3346).
  • Hearing schedule (current): Hearing originally set for 11:00 AM–11:45 PM in A-2 and via virtual platform; rescheduled to October 21, 2025. Subsequent updates show varying end times and locations (A-2, B-2) as the hearing logistics have changed.
  • Related bill: HD 1156 is noted as a replacement/related measure.

Potential impact

  • Behavioral: Creates a clear legal consequence for littering from vehicles, potentially reducing roadside litter.
  • Financial: Introduces escalating fines that begin at $100 and can rise to $500; violations are surchargeable for auto insurance, potentially influencing premiums.
  • Procedural: Shifts enforcement toward civil infractions with citations under Chapter 90C, which may affect the administrative process for violators and enforcement agencies.

Notes

  • The bill is a refiled (or similarly worded) measure in a subsequent session, with a related measure previously filed in 2023-2024 (H.3346) and a related replacement bill (HD 1156).
  • The act’s effectiveness hinges on passage; it is currently tied to ongoing committee consideration and scheduling for a public hearing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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