Maryland Senate Bill SB266

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22

Caption

Department of Transportation – Vehicle Litter Reporting Program

Impact

Once implemented, SB266 will significantly change how littering offenses are addressed. By informing vehicle owners of littering complaints and the negative implications of such actions, the program aims to raise public awareness about littering and its consequences. This proactive measure seeks to foster a sense of responsibility among vehicle owners, compelling them to discourage littering by their passengers or themselves, ultimately enhancing the environment and public spaces.

Summary

Senate Bill 266 establishes the Vehicle Litter Reporting Program under the Department of Transportation. The primary objective of this bill is to combat littering from motor vehicles by creating a system where citizens can report incidents of littering. The program will include a toll-free hotline that receives complaints about littering activities and initiates a communication process with the vehicle's registered owner regarding the reports.

Contention

Although the bill's intent is broadly supported for its environmental benefits, there may be areas of contention regarding the enforcement and perceived penalization of vehicle owners. Critics might express concerns about the efficacy of merely sending letters instead of imposing direct penalties, as the letter itself does not constitute a citation. Moreover, discussions may emerge around privacy issues and the responsibility of vehicle owners for the actions of passengers.

Implementation

If passed, SB266 will come into effect on October 1, 2022. This timeline allows for the necessary arrangements to establish the hotline and program infrastructure. Overall, this bill serves as a mechanism to deter public littering through increased community engagement and education on the ramifications of littering, aligning with broader goals of environmental preservation.