The bill amends Chapter 37-2 of the General Laws to enhance sustainability in state purchasing practices. It introduces a ban on the use of state funds for purchasing single-serving bottled water in facilities with public water supplies, except in emergencies. The legislation mandates that state funds be allocated for leasing or purchasing electric vehicles and their infrastructure, aiming for at least 45% of the state's light-duty fleet to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030. Additionally, it requires the installation of recycling bins in all state buildings and the use of biodegradable and compostable materials in state cafeterias by January 1, 2026, with a complete ban on plastic disposables by that date. The bill also establishes annual reporting requirements to monitor progress in these sustainability efforts.

Moreover, the bill addresses the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers, defining the term and allowing exemptions for specific devices. Starting July 1, 2025, the state will stop purchasing gasoline-powered leaf blowers, and by January 1, 2028, their use will be prohibited for the state and its contractors. Municipalities are permitted to enforce stricter regulations, and compliance with local standards is required for managing state property. The bill also mandates that public buildings have at least one custodian certified in composting and recycling, with the Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Transportation prohibited from using gasoline-powered leaf blowers for state property maintenance by January 1, 2028. Overall, the act aims to promote environmental stewardship through sustainable practices and includes provisions for annual reporting on the use of state funds in these initiatives.