An Act to Amend the Maine Litter Control Act
Sponsored By: Russell J. Black (Republican)
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Litter rules cover tobacco and balloons
Beginning 2025-06-03, Maine counts tobacco waste, outdoor balloons, and consumer fireworks debris as litter. The law bans releasing lighter-than-air balloons outdoors, except for science gear, weather work, or hot air balloons that are recovered. A balloon-release ticket is a traffic infraction and adds points to your driver record. Littering must be intentional to violate the law, and dumping from vehicles, roads, and waters is barred.
Utility slash not treated as litter
Beginning 2025-06-03, slash from tree work done by public utilities is not treated as brush or yard debris under Maine’s litter rules. Utilities may face fewer cleanup or liability duties for that material. Officials still enforce litter rules for other debris.
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
ACTPUB Chapter 176
6/3/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/21/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/20/2025HouseCONSENT 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.
5/14/2025HouseReport 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.
5/13/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/8/2025HouseCommittee 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
Amendment C-A (S-68), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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