Massachusetts Senate Bill S201

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

To reduce lottery littering

Impact

If enacted, S201 would compel the Massachusetts State Treasurer's Office to direct the Massachusetts State Lottery to implement this second chance game within a specified timeframe of 180 days from the bill's passage. This operational deadline indicates urgency and reflects the legislative intent to quickly mitigate the environmental impacts posed by discarded lottery tickets. The success of this bill could lead to the establishment of more comprehensive recycling initiatives that involve other similar products, thereby setting a precedent for future legislation aimed at promoting sustainability.

Summary

Senate Bill S201 aims to address the issue of lottery littering in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill proposes the establishment of a second chance game that will involve all lottery tickets and scratch tickets that do not contain winning numbers. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the recycling rates of these tickets while simultaneously reducing their presence as litter. By engaging the public in a game that incentivizes recycling, the bill seeks to promote environmentally responsible behavior associated with the use of lottery tickets.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a straightforward purpose of reducing litter, it could also stimulate discussions regarding the broader implications of environmental responsibility and state intervention in consumer behavior. As public awareness grows regarding littering and its environmental consequences, the reaction from citizens and advocacy groups will likely shape the debates surrounding the bill. Moreover, the introduction of a new game may necessitate considerations of funding and administrative resources, sparking conversations about the balance between innovation in public service and fiscal responsibility.