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Anyone littering highways or failing to secure loads will soon face fines that are twice as high.

Legislators gave final passage Thursday and sent to Gov. Gary Herbert HB328. It would raise fines for littering from $100 to $200, and from $250 to $500 for subsequent violations.

Fines for failing to secure loads would rise from $250 to $500 for the first offense, and from $500 to $1,000 for subsequent tickets.

"It has become a very dangerous thing," said Sen. Pat Jones, D-Holladay, Senate sponsor of the bill. "There have been Highway Patrolmen killed [trying to remove debris]. There have been people killed because of things that are falling off trucks."

She said she saw a pile of collected debris at a highway maintenance yard that included "mountains of mattresses, barbecue grills, washing machines and sofas." She said crews even found a hot tub that had fallen off a truck.

The bill's sponsor is Rep. Richard Greenwood, R-Roy, is a former Highway Patrol officer.

The Senate passed it on a 19-8 vote. The House later concurred with Senate amendments on a 60-13 vote. Lee Davidson