Virginia SB 687: Gas-powered leaf blowers; local prohibition or regulation, civil penalty.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105312D

SENATE BILL NO. 687

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-918.1, relating to local prohibition or regulation of gas-powered leaf blowers; civil penalty.

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Patron—Salim

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Referred to Committee on Local Government

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-918.1 as follows:

§ 15.2-918.1. Local prohibition or regulation of use of gas-powered leaf blowers; civil penalty.

Any locality with a population density of at least 2,500 persons per square mile based on the most recent decennial report of the United States Census Bureau may by ordinance prohibit or regulate the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within its jurisdiction. Any such ordinance shall become enforceable not less than 12 months after the date it is enacted by the local governing body. The locality may authorize a civil penalty for violations in an amount to be set out in the ordinance. Civil penalties assessed under this section shall be paid into the treasury of the locality where the violation occurred and may be used by the locality to assist with the purchase of nonprohibited leaf blowers by residents and local businesses.