The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 319, aims to transition the state and municipalities in Connecticut to the use of battery-powered landscaping equipment, specifically electric hand-held or push lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and lawn trimmers. Starting September 1, 2027, state agencies are required to purchase or lease electric equipment when their existing gas-powered equipment reaches the end of its useful life. By September 1, 2030, the use of gas-powered hand-held or backpack leaf blowers will be prohibited on state-owned or leased properties. Exceptions to this prohibition can be made for specific operations, such as emergency services or public safety maintenance.

Additionally, the bill reactivates the 2010 Lawn Equipment Exchange Fund to assist municipalities and regional schools in transitioning to battery-operated technology. It mandates the Connecticut Green Bank to create a loan program for commercial landscapers to facilitate the purchase or lease of battery-operated equipment. The bill also includes amendments to the systems benefits charge to fund the electrification of lawn and garden equipment from 2026 to 2030. Furthermore, starting January 1, 2029, the sale of gas-powered handheld or backpack leaf blowers will be prohibited, with a complete ban on their use by September 1, 2030.