2022 -- S 2168

========

LC004277

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- AIR POLLUTION

     Introduced By: Senators Zurier, Valverde, Euer, and Sosnowski

     Date Introduced: February 08, 2022

     Referred To: Senate Commerce

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-23 of the General Laws entitled "Air Pollution" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     23-23-32. Gasoline-powered leaf blowers.

     (a) Except as provided under subsection (c) of this section, effective July 1, 2023, no person

shall sell or offer for sale a gasoline-powered leaf blower in the State of Rhode Island.

     (b) Effective July 1, 2024, no person shall use a gasoline powered leaf blower in the State

of Rhode Island.

     (c) Any person who sells or causes to be sold, at retail or in a private sale, a gasoline-

powered leaf blower in the State of Rhode Island on or after July 1, 2023, shall provide conspicuous

notice to the consumer that the leaf blower shall not be used in the State of Rhode Island.

     (d) A civil fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), plus any applicable penalties and

fees, may be imposed as a sanction for any infraction of this section reported to and verified by the

department.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC004277

========

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- AIR POLLUTION

***

     This act would prohibit the sale of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in this state after July 1,

2023 and prohibit their use in this state after July 1, 2024. Violations would be punished by a civil

fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC004277

========

LC004277 - Page 2 of 2