S.B. 54 Summary

• Prohibits operation of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in any urban land use district at any time, while restricting non-gasoline-powered leaf blowers to 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and state/federal holidays within residential zones or 100 feet thereof.

• Increases fines for violations to $100 for first violation, $250 for second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation; gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to forfeiture upon a third violation.

• Removes the existing exemption that had previously protected government entities and their agents from leaf blower restrictions.

• Allows counties to adopt stricter limitations on leaf blower use, with the more restrictive requirement applying in case of conflict.

• Defines "gasoline-powered leaf blower" as any leaf blower powered by a two-stroke internal combustion engine rated for noise emissions greater than 65 decibels at 50 feet; takes effect June 30, 3000.