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Bill

HB 5173

To create the West Virginia Rural Littering and Illegal Dumping Prevention Act.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Holstein and 3 co-sponsors

West Virginia bill establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties to prevent littering and illegal dumping in rural areas, addressing environmental contamination and cleanup cost burdens.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 5173

Legislative bill overview

HB 5173 proposes the West Virginia Rural Littering and Illegal Dumping Prevention Act, which would establish a legal framework and enforcement mechanisms to address littering and illegal dumping in rural areas of the state. The bill appears designed to create penalties, prevention strategies, and potentially remediation responsibilities for violations in designated rural zones.

Why is this important

Illegal dumping and littering in rural areas creates environmental contamination, threatens water quality and wildlife, reduces property values, and places cleanup costs on communities and landowners. West Virginia's significant rural territory makes this a practical governance issue affecting both environmental health and economic development in less densely populated regions.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement costs and responsibility: Who bears the expense of enforcement and cleanup—state agencies, counties, or property owners—could spark debate about fiscal burden distribution
  • Definition and scope: How "rural" areas are defined and whether regulations apply uniformly statewide versus selectively may create jurisdictional disputes
  • Penalty severity: The appropriate level of fines and criminal penalties for violators could divide those favoring strict deterrence from those concerned about disproportionate consequences

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

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