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Panel hears proposal to raise litter penalties, create task force after witnesses cite large roadside litter volume
Summary
HB 1293 would raise the penalty for littering to a class 2 civil infraction and create a task force to recommend litter‑reduction policies. Sponsor and volunteers cited high roadside litter volume and called for stronger penalties and coordinated cleanup funding.
Representative Mark Clicker (R., 16th District) introduced House Bill 1293, which would raise penalties for littering and convene a multi‑agency task force to recommend litter‑reduction policies. Under current law, littering smaller than or equal to one cubic foot is a class 3 civil infraction with a $50 base penalty; the bill would reclassify littering as a class 2 civil infraction with a $125 base penalty, assessed separately from an existing $93 penalty for thrown or dropped materials on state highways.
Clicker and witnesses described the scope of roadside litter in Washington. Committee testimony included these figures: an estimate of about 73,000 pieces of litter per mile on some roadways and a statewide accounting that last year an estimated $38,000,000 of litter was deposited while crews picked up roughly $6,000,000, leaving an estimated $32,000,000 of litter still in place. Clicker said the task force would include representatives of state agencies and business associations and would deliver an interim status update by Jan. 15, 2026 and final recommendations by Nov. 15, 2026.
Supporters included volunteer litter‑cleanup organizers and 0 Waste Washington, who urged higher fines and a task force that includes environmental justice representation. The Washington Food Industry Association said the task force is a “fantastic use” of litter‑tax funds and could help coordinate conversations about EPR and deposit‑return systems’ effects on litter. No formal action was taken.
