Bill

Bill > S3029


RI S3029

RI S3029
Prohibits municipalities from restricting certain landscaping equipment based on its power source. It also prohibits any changes in the regulation of the use of power equipment in the municipality, without a positive referendum vote.


summary

Introduced
03/05/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would prohibit municipalities from restricting certain landscaping equipment based on its power source unless the restriction was grandfathered in or as a result of a positive referendum vote. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill prevents cities and towns from banning or restricting landscaping equipment, such as leaf blowers and lawn mowers, based solely on how they are powered (like gasoline, electricity, or battery), unless such a restriction was already in place before this bill became law or is approved by a majority vote in a local referendum. The bill clarifies that municipalities can still enforce reasonable noise limits, restrictions on operating hours for all powered equipment, and regulations for public safety, as long as these don't effectively ban equipment based on its power source. Any new or changed regulations on powered equipment after this bill takes effect that contradict these provisions will be invalid.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Senate Housing and Municipal Government Hearing (00:00:00 4/9/2026 ) (on 04/09/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...