Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers - Purchase and Use - Prohibitions

HB 167 bans the State of Maryland from purchasing gasoline-powered leaf blowers starting July 1, 2026, and prohibits their use by the State or its contractors on state-owned land beginning January 1, 2031. The bill directly affects state agencies and contractors managing state property, requiring them to comply with local government standards that are at least as strict as the bill’s requirements. Exceptions include wildfire suppression, prescribed burns, firefighting, and emergency response activities. The law does not override stricter local regulations but ensures state operations follow local environmental standards for leaf blowers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.