New Hampshire House Bill HB1571

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/14/21
• Refer: 12/14/21
• Report DNP: 2/7/22

Caption

Increasing fines for littering and directing revenues to the fish and game department.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1571 is expected to generate additional revenue directed to the Fish and Game Department, although the estimated increase is projected to be less than $5,000 annually. This revenue would support the department in its conservation efforts and potentially enhance its capacity to manage wildlife and preserve ecosystems. Moreover, the increase in fines is anticipated to promote greater awareness of littering issues, contributing to a cultural shift toward more responsible environmental practices among residents.

Summary

House Bill 1571 aims to increase fines for littering violations by 20% and direct the additional revenue to support the Fish and Game Department. The bill seeks to enhance environmental conservation efforts by ensuring that the penalties for littering contribute to funding conservation officers who are responsible for maintaining the state's natural resources. The bill has a clear focus on addressing littering as a significant environmental concern, with the increased fines intended to serve as a deterrent against such behavior.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 1571 appears to be supportive, particularly among environmental advocates and organizations focused on conservation. By enhancing fines for littering, this bill reflects a proactive stance towards protecting natural resources and encouraging responsible behavior among the public. However, like many legislative measures, it may face some criticism from those who argue that increasing fines could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who may be more prone to littering incidents due to various socioeconomic factors.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1571 include concerns about the effectiveness of increasing fines as a deterrent to littering. Some critics argue that simply raising fines may not address the underlying causes of littering behavior and may not lead to a significant reduction in littering incidents. Furthermore, the bill's impact on local municipalities, which may have their own littering ordinances, could also be a point of discussion as it centralizes some regulatory authority regarding littering penalties.