HB4805 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 36336 AWJ 66435 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB4805

Introduced 2/6/2024, by Rep. Lindsey LaPointe

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Act. Provides that, on and after January 1, 2025, a person may not operate or sell at retail a gas-powered leaf blower in the State. Provides that a person who violates the Act's provisions is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500. Provides that a county or municipality may impose the penalty by citation or ticket and that the county or municipality may bring an action in the circuit court to enforce the collection of any monetary penalty imposed in the citation or ticket. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning safety.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Act.

Section 5. Findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) gas-powered leaf blowers are detrimental to the health of the citizens of the State and the quality of the environment;

(2) 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines used in gas-powered leaf blowers emit exceedingly high rates of pollutants, including, but not limited to, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons;

(3) the chemical pollutants that gas-powered leaf blowers emit can contribute to smog formation and acid rain;

(4) gas-powered leaf blowers generate noise at a decibel level capable of causing hearing loss in a short amount of time; and

(5) gas-powered leaf blowers send dust and other small particles into the air for considerable distances, including, but not limited to, animal feces, trace quantities of heavy metals such as lead, and allergens such as pollen and mold.

Section 10. Definition. In this Act, "gas-powered leaf blower" means a leaf blower that has a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine using gasoline or a gasoline and oil blend as fuel.

Section 15. Use or sale of gas-powered leaf blowers. On and after January 1, 2025, a person may not operate or sell at retail a gas-powered leaf blower in this State.

Section 20. Violation; enforcement.

(a) A person who violates Section 15 is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500.

(b) A county or municipality may impose a penalty under subsection (a) by citation or ticket. The county or municipality may bring an action in the circuit court to enforce the collection of any monetary penalty imposed in the citation or ticket.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.