Tossing Cigarettes Could Mean Big Littering Fine

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Starting next year, flicking a cigarette onto the ground could cost you plenty.

Gov. Quinn earlier this month signed a law that changed the state's anti-littering law, to make it unlawful to toss spent smokes on the ground.

Essentially, the law was amended to add cigarettes to the definition of litter.

Violators could be convicted of a Class B misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $1,500 and possibly even jail time. Repeat offenders could face even stricter penalties.

The bill passed the Senate 55-0 in May. It had passed the House 71-45 in April.

The change goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2014

The bill was introduced by for Rep. Deborah Mell, who has since resigned to take her father's place on the Chicago City Council. Dick Mell retired this summer after more than 30 years in office.