Adds grass/grass clippings to the items prohibited from being deposited or blown onto a highway or roadway.
Impact
If enacted, H5729 would modify Section 31-22-9 of the General Laws, establishing clearer guidelines for public behavior regarding debris on highways. The inclusion of grass clippings under this provision represents a proactive approach to maintain highway safety and aesthetics. It underscores the growing recognition of roadside maintenance as a vital component of public health and safety. Furthermore, this amendment may lead to increased public awareness regarding the environmental impact of discarding yard waste improperly, motivating residents to alter their disposal habits.
Summary
House Bill 5729, introduced by Representative Jacquelyn M. Baginski, proposes an amendment to existing legislation concerning miscellaneous rules related to motor vehicles. Specifically, the bill aims to prohibit the deposition or blowing of grass and grass clippings onto highways and roadways. The bill seeks to enhance safety on public roads and ensure the cleanliness of transportation pathways by explicitly adding grass clippings to the list of materials that cannot be discarded onto roadways, alongside other hazardous items like glass and nails. This change is intended to mitigate potential dangers posed to motorists and pedestrians, hence promoting overall public safety.
Contention
While the bill builds on existing safety measures, it could elicit discussion about the enforcement of such provisions. Questions may arise regarding how municipalities will implement penalties and the effectiveness of signage informing the public of these new restrictions. Some constituents may argue about the practicality of the law and whether it places an undue burden on residents maintaining their yards, especially during seasonal yard cleanup periods. The legislation may face scrutiny in terms of fairness and feasibility, particularly concerning how it aligns with broader legislative efforts geared towards environmental management and sustainable practices.
Provides that low-speed vehicles may be operated on limited access highways, state highways, through highways and public highways or roadways provided the speed limit on the highways and roadways is no more than thirty-five miles per hour (35 m.p.h.).
Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist’s hand.
Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.
Adds "loose material" to the contents of a vehicle that must be covered by a covering that must remain in place until the vehicle's contents are purged from the vehicle.
Prohibits commercial motor trucks, with a gross weight rating of twenty-six thousand one pounds (26,001 lbs.) or more, from traveling on Route 114 A, East Providence between Pawtucket Avenue and the Massachusetts state line.
Prohibits commercial motor trucks, with a gross weight rating of twenty-six thousand one pounds (26,001 lbs.) or more, from traveling on Route 114 A, East Providence between Pawtucket Avenue and the Massachusetts state line.
Enacts the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.