Plain English Breakdown
The specific definition of 'commercial quantities' below the 25 cubic yard threshold is referenced but not explicitly defined in the provided text.
AB-2310: New Rules Against Illegal Dumping
This law makes it a crime to transport waste or construction debris for the purpose of illegal dumping and increases penalties for repeat offenders.
What This Bill Does
- Makes transporting waste, rocks, concrete, asphalt, dirt, or construction debris illegal if the goal is to dump them in prohibited places.
- Increases the maximum fine to $5,000 for people who violate these dumping rules four or more times and makes those violations a misdemeanor.
- Classifies violations involving over 25 cubic yards of commercial waste as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines.
- Allows prosecutors to charge violations with over 50 cubic yards of commercial waste as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Prohibits private owners from dumping on their own land if they lack required permits or create health, safety, fire, or nuisance hazards.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who transport waste matter or construction debris for the purpose of illegal dumping.
- Private property owners and those with permission to use private land.
- Employees whose employers direct them to dump commercial quantities of waste (though they are protected from charges under specific conditions).
- Local agencies that enforce these new state-mandated laws.
Terms To Know
- Commercial quantities
- Large amounts of waste or debris, specifically defined in the law as exceeding certain cubic yard limits like 25 or 50 yards for penalty purposes.
- Misdemeanor
- A crime less serious than a felony that can result in jail time and fines.
- Felony
- A serious crime punishable by more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law states that simply driving a vehicle with visible rocks or dirt does not give police enough reason to stop or arrest the driver.
- Employees cannot be charged for dumping commercial quantities if they were following their employer's directions during work hours.