BILL NUMBER:  S1892

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the general business law, in
relation to enacting the "lawn litter law act"

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

The subject legislation amends Section 397-a of the General Business
Law to delete the necessity of lawn litter being placed on two or more
premises to constitute a violation of this section.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Each violation of the General Business Law, Section 397-a shall be
returnable to the environmental control board and a civil penalty of
not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 shall be imposed for each
violation. Any civil penalties collected shall be paid into the
general fund of the City. In addition, any person who has material
placed on his or her property on three separate occasions by the same
person may bring an action in a court competent jurisdiction to enjoin
such practice, an action for damages or $500 whichever is greater, or
both.

 JUSTIFICATION :

New York City residents are being deluged with unwanted advertisement
              

and solicitations callously dumped on their doorsteps, in their
lobbies and in their vestibules, despite signs that they don't want
these items placed on their property, residents continue to be
inundated.

This bill will make the owners and managers of restaurants and other
commercial establishments liable for dumping menus and advertising
fliers on private property. The bill will also go a long way in making
small businesses more responsive to community concerns.

As has been noted in many urban studies, quality of life issues such
as neighborhood cleanliness are important for neighborhood stability
which in turn keep communities safer, promote community pride and
prevent future crime and urban deterioration.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2015-16: S.1128/A.246
2013-14: S.6897/A.2344

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.