The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6263, aims to phase out the use and purchase of gas-powered hand-held and backpack leaf blowers by state and municipal agencies in Connecticut. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Administrative Services and each municipality develop a plan to eliminate these devices over a two-year period starting January 1, 2027. Furthermore, beginning January 1, 2029, the bill prohibits the use, sale, or distribution of gas-powered leaf blowers in the state. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection is authorized to adopt regulations for enforcement, and municipalities may enact ordinances for local enforcement.

This legislation introduces new provisions that establish a clear timeline for the phase-out and eventual prohibition of gas-powered leaf blowers, while deleting any conflicting statutes. The intent of the bill is to promote environmental sustainability by eliminating the use of these gas-powered devices, which are known to contribute to air pollution and noise disturbances. The bill is co-sponsored by several representatives and senators, reflecting a collective effort to address environmental concerns in the state.