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SB 5878

Ensuring litter tax funds are used for litter pick up.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Fortunato and 1 co-sponsor

Washington bill redirects litter tax revenue exclusively toward litter cleanup activities instead of general state spending.

First reading, referred to Ways & Means.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5878

Legislative bill overview

SB 5878 seeks to ensure that revenue generated from Washington's litter tax is specifically dedicated to funding litter cleanup and removal efforts. The bill establishes or clarifies requirements that litter tax proceeds must be appropriated directly toward litter abatement activities rather than being diverted to general state funds or other purposes.

Why is this important

Litter taxes are intended as dedicated revenue sources for addressing environmental and public health problems caused by littering. If proceeds are redirected to general budgets or unrelated programs, the policy mechanism fails—the state collects money ostensibly for cleanup but doesn't deliver that cleanup. Voters and taxpayers often support dedicated environmental taxes with the expectation that revenue will be used for its stated purpose.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget flexibility concerns: State budget officials may argue that restricting fund usage limits budgetary discretion during fiscal crises and prevents reallocation to higher priorities
  • Definition disputes: Disagreement over what activities qualify as "litter pickup"—does this include enforcement, education, infrastructure, or only direct removal work?
  • Fiscal impact questions: If current litter cleanup funding proves insufficient, a mandate to dedicate tax revenue might require either increased cleanup operations, tax increases, or reductions elsewhere

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

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