Two new laws crackdown on litterbugs. The first adds cigarettes to the definition of litter. The other creates a $50 fine for anyone who tosses trash out of their car window.
Senator Bill Haine, D-Alton, sponsored the legislation:
"It's irresponsible, it pollutes beautiful environments [and] God's creation, [and] it creates ugliness."
Representative David Reis, R-Ste. Marie, opposed both measures:
"This is almost unbelievable -- $50 fine for throwing your cigarette butt on the ground. I don't like that. I think it's distasteful, I don't smoke. But where are we going to stop with this? And is the second fine going to be higher? Is there going to be jail time? I mean what's coming with this? I think most of these cigarette butts are biodegradable."
The laws take effect in January.
Illinois Public Radio's Amanda Vinicky contributed to this report.