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Bill

Bill

HB 1293

Concerning litter.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Barkis and 6 co-sponsors

Washington's HB 1293 enacts litter regulations effective July 27, 2025, passing unanimously with bipartisan support to address environmental and community quality-of-life concerns.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1293

Legislative bill overview

HB 1293 is a Washington state law concerning litter that was signed by the Governor on May 17, 2025, and becomes effective July 27, 2025. The bill passed with unanimous support (98-0) in the House after Senate amendments. Without access to the full bill text, the specific provisions regarding litter enforcement, penalties, or regulations cannot be detailed.

Why is this important

Litter legislation typically addresses public health, environmental cleanup costs, and quality of life in communities. The unanimous passage suggests broad bipartisan agreement on the bill's approach, indicating it likely balances environmental concerns with practical implementation.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement mechanism and cost allocation – Who bears responsibility for enforcement (state, local, or private entities) and how costs are distributed across jurisdictions
  • Penalties and proportionality – Whether penalties are appropriately calibrated to deter littering without being excessive for minor violations
  • Definition scope – How "litter" is defined and whether the law applies equally to all types of materials or focuses on specific categories (plastics, hazardous materials, etc.)

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

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