Wait, What – Pine needles belong in the forest, not on a neighbor’s lawn, according to a Rhode Island lawmaker who wants to compel residents to trim unruly twigs and trees.

The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would require homeowners to prune their shrubbery and trees or face a $500 fine if plant litter lands on someone else’s property.

The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Sen. Frank Ciccone, said he introduced the legislation after listening to concerns about pine trees from residents in his Silver Lake district of Providence.

Pine trees are “nice in the forest, nice in certain areas, but they shed these pine needles and sap onto adjacent vehicles and driveways,” he said.

Senators voted 26-6 to pass the bill that would require homeowners to maintain and control any debris created by a tree or shrubs if it causes a nuisance to an abutting property owner.

It’s nice to see that in times like these, where the American people might have to choose between Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton for President of the god damn United States, that RI politicians are focusing on the important things. The important things, in this particular situation, are pine needles and leaves. What’re we really doing here? Is this the apocalypse? I always thought it would be fireballs and chaos, but maybe it’s Donald Trump as President and getting fined if you don’t rake your leaves. Who’re the people who are REALLY complaining to politicians about pine needles? They’re not toxic waste. If you don’t like them on your lawn, pick them up. If you can’t muster the strength and energy to pick them up, hire a landscaper. I’m not going to pretend to be into politics and list a bunch of issues that are more important than this, but when pine needles a priority, there is something wrong.

-Ryan