Massachusetts Senate Bill S2390

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Resolve establishing the roadside litter prevention and cleanup task force

Impact

The legislation seeks to analyze the financial burden of roadside litter cleanup and will explore effective funding models for maintaining cleanliness along highways and roadways. The task force is mandated to create a memorable anti-littering slogan and campaign that leverages various media platforms to raise public awareness. Additionally, it will assess current litter enforcement practices and determine whether existing penalties for littering are sufficient to deter such behavior, potentially leading to changes in state laws regarding litter enforcement and fines.

Summary

Bill S2390, titled 'Resolve establishing the roadside litter prevention and cleanup task force', aims to create a dedicated task force within the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to address the increasing issues of roadside litter. The task force will consist of several key state officials and representatives from environmental organizations, with the goal of developing a comprehensive strategy for litter prevention and cleanup. This initiative not only addresses the aesthetic concerns of littered roadways but also the potential environmental impact associated with discarded waste along transport routes.

Contention

While support for the bill generally spans across various factions acknowledging the environmental necessity of litter cleanup, debates may arise regarding the implementation of heightened enforcement measures and the associated costs. Some may argue that the focus should be placed on education and community engagement rather than punitive measures, potentially leading to discussions about the balance between enforcement and public services related to littering offenses. The effectiveness of the proposed anti-litter campaign and its integration with existing environmental and public safety initiatives may also be points of contention as the task force begins its work.