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Senate bill would make depositing grass clippings on road illegal

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MetroCreative

A bill in the state Senate would criminalize leaving grass clippings on the road.

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MetroCreative

A bill in the state Senate would criminalize leaving grass clippings on the road.

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Bartolotta

It’s illegal to leave paper, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse or other rubbish on Pennsylvania roadways. And, if state Sen. Camera Bartolotta has her way, grass clippings will be added to that list.

A bill she introduced recently adds grass to the list of items prohibited to be deposited on roads, streets, highways, alleys or railroad right-of-ways in Pennsylvania.

Bartolotta said the bill, which calls for an amendment to the state’s crimes code, is necessary to keep motorcyclists safe, and reduce the potential for flooding.

“Grass clippings cause the surface of the roadway to become extremely slippery, and motorcyclists have died after sliding on them,” said Bartolotta. She said the issue came to the forefront when motorcyclists began sending her obituaries of fellow cyclists who have died after hitting slippery grass.

“It’s like hitting a patch of ice,” said Bartolotta. “Pennsylvania is a beautiful state – especially at this time of year – and a lot of motorcyclists enjoy taking advantage of that natural beauty on a motorcycle.”

The Carroll Township Republican said reducing or eliminating the threat would be simple.

“It’s not that difficult to blow the grass off the road or bag it,” she said.

Another factor, Bartolotta said, is related to something municipalities across the state have been dealing with a lot lately – flooding.

“In addition to being a public safety hazard, grass clippings on roadways can contribute to the clogging of storm water drains,” she said.

The clippings can clog storm water drains and cause flooding when extreme rainfall occurs. In addition, the clippings can also make their way into streams and cause pollution issues. According to Bartolotta, grass clippings are making their way into waterways and causing increased levels of nitrogen.

Proposed penalties for a first offense, considered a summary, include a fine of not less than $50 or more than $300, and mandatory community service in the form of picking up illegally dumped trash.

The bill calls for subsequent violations to be graded as a third-degree misdemeanor, with a rise in the fine of no less than $300 and no more than $1,000, as well as service picking up trash.

Bartolotta is seeking co-sponsors for the legislation. While it seems a minor thing, the senator said she believes it’s an important bill.

“It’s really going to save lives,” she said.

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