The bill introduced to the General Assembly proposes the addition of a new chapter, titled "Zero-Emission Lawn Care Devices," to Title 23 of the General Laws, which pertains to health and safety. The new chapter would mandate that all lawn care devices sold in the state by January 1, 2025, must be zero-emission, and by January 1, 2028, all lawn care devices used in the state must also be zero-emission. The definition of lawn care devices includes a range of equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chippers, and emissions are specified as exhaust from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.

The bill outlines that the director of the department of environmental management is responsible for creating rules and regulations to enforce this transition, taking into account affordability, accessibility, and environmental equity. Additionally, the office of energy resources is tasked with developing a rebate program for the purchase of zero-emission lawn care devices, potentially requiring a trade-in of gas-powered devices. Violations of the zero-emission requirement, effective January 1, 2028, will result in a civil fine with a graduated schedule of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses. The bill also allows for the use of date-stamped videos as legal evidence of violations. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.