The bill amends Chapter 45-2 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 45-2-71, which regulates the use of powered landscape equipment by municipalities. It prohibits cities and towns from enacting or enforcing ordinances that restrict the sale, purchase, ownership, or use of such equipment based solely on the type of fuel or power source. The bill defines powered landscape equipment to include items such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, edgers, and similar outdoor maintenance equipment, regardless of whether they are powered by gasoline, diesel, electricity, battery, or other energy sources.

Municipalities are still permitted to implement reasonable, content-neutral noise regulations, restrictions on hours of operation applicable to all powered equipment, and regulations necessary to address public safety concerns, provided such regulations do not effectively prohibit the use of powered landscape equipment based on fuel type.

The bill includes provisions for municipalities that currently have regulations in place. Any existing ordinances that restrict powered landscape equipment based on fuel or power source, which were duly adopted and in effect prior to the effective date of this section, will remain valid and enforceable within that municipality, as long as such ordinances are not amended, expanded, or reenacted after the effective date of this section. Additionally, any ordinance or regulation adopted, amended, expanded, or reenacted concerning the use of powered equipment after the effective date of this section that is inconsistent with the provisions of this bill will be deemed null and void unless the changes have been approved by a majority of those voting in a municipal referendum. The act will take effect upon passage.