People caught littering would have to pay more under a bill sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla and passed by the Washington state House.
Klicker’s district includes parts of Pasco, Richland and West Richland, plus Walla Walla and Connell.
Now the base fine for littering is $50, but the bill would increase the fine to $125 for small amounts of litter.
The $50 fine and proposed new fine are for litter that is roughly what would fit in a plastic grocery bag.
There also would continue to be an additional penalty of $93 if trash is thrown along a state highway.
Cities and counties may also have their own ordinances.
Klicker has promoted the increased fine, saying that Washington state has 42% more litter than the national average, with interstates being trouble spots.
The Washington state Department of Ecology has found 73,000 pieces of litter per mile, or an average of nearly 1,600 pounds per mile, according to House Republicans.
“I have encountered everything from bottles to cups to plastic bags to paper bags, baby cribs, tires, mattresses and sofas on our interstates,” Klicker said.
The penalty for littering has not increased in 32 years.
Klicker’s bill now must pass the Senate, where it has been introduced.
Cosponsors include Reps. April Connors, R-Kennewick, and Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy.
