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MaineLD 121132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Amend the Maine Litter Control Act

Sponsored By: Russell J. Black (Republican)

Became Law

CRIMESCRIMES - ENVIRONMENTAL

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

Utility slash excluded from yard debris

Slash from work done by or for a public utility is not counted as brush or yard debris. This changes how utilities and their contractors handle and dispose of that material.

Cigarette butts, balloons, fireworks are litter

The law now counts waste from tobacco products, outdoor balloon releases or abandonment, and consumer fireworks as litter. These items face the same rules and penalties as other trash.

Outdoor balloon releases now banned

You cannot release a lighter‑than‑air balloon outdoors. Exceptions apply for balloons with scientific instruments, government or scientific weather balloons, and hot air balloons that are recovered after launch.

Stronger litter rules and DMV points

The law bans dumping trash on roads, public land, and waterways. Use a trash container or a site set aside for disposal. You cannot throw trash from a car, truck, trailer, or boat. If litter comes from a vehicle or boat, both the thrower and the operator are at fault, unless it carries passengers for hire. Loads must be secured so nothing can drop or blow out. You cannot put trash on private land without the owner’s prior OK, and it cannot be a public nuisance or illegal. A litter citation is a traffic infraction. It is sent to the Secretary of State. Points are added to your driving record.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Russell J. Black

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Stephan Bunker

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 176

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/21/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/20/2025House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-68).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/14/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-68) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-68).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/13/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/8/2025House

  8. Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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