Sen. McInnis files bill in North Carolina Senate amending littering laws

A new bill filed by State Sen. Tom McInnis in the North Carolina Senate seeks to strengthen littering regulations by establishing clearer responsibilities for individuals linked to litter found in public areas, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 207 on Feb. 27 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Litter Law/Rebuttable Presumption.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends North Carolina’s littering laws by establishing a rebuttable presumption of guilt for individuals if litter bearing their name, such as documents or objects like bank statements and prescription bottles, is found. It specifies that advertising, marketing, or campaign materials alone cannot create this presumption. The bill mandates violators of littering laws involving more than 10 pounds of litter, or any amount for commercial purposes or hazardous waste, to either remove or render harmless the litter, repair or pay for property damages, or perform community service related to litter removal or area restoration. This act becomes effective Dec. 1, 2025, and applies to offenses occurring on or after this date.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Warren Daniel proposed the most bills (12) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Mclnnis, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 21st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Ben Clark.