MS HB480

Increases the fine for littering on Mississippi roads and highways from $50-$250 to a flat $800 per violation, with the minimum and maximum fines doubled for second or subsequent convictions.

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to create rules and regulations to determine the identity of owners of items found littering on roads, highways, or private property and assess fines accordingly.

Increases the assessment collected on each littering violation from $50 to $200, with proceeds deposited into the Law Enforcement Officers Monument Fund and later redirected to the postsecondary education scholarship program for children of deceased or disabled law enforcement officers and firemen.

Brings forward existing statutes allowing sheriffs to use county jail inmates convicted of nonviolent felonies to pick up trash along public roads and state highways, with inmates eligible for earned time credit.

Brings forward existing statute authorizing the State Transportation Commission to furnish vehicles along state highways to pick up trash bagged by inmates; takes effect July 1, 2024.