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Committee approves bill blocking local bans on lawn‑care equipment by fuel type
Summary
The committee voted to advance House Bill 10‑75, which would prohibit local governments from banning sale or use of lawn‑care machines based on their fuel or energy source; sponsor said the measure prevents local governments from picking winners and losers in the market.
Representative Ray presented House Bill 10‑75, a preemption bill that would prevent local governments from banning the sale or use of lawn‑care equipment — such as mowers, trimmers and blowers — on the basis of fuel or energy source.
Ray said more than 100 U.S. cities have enacted prohibitions on gas‑powered lawn equipment and that such local rules can harm small businesses and limit consumer choice. He told the committee the bill is narrowly tailored to prevent local governments from imposing fuel‑type bans, and he said he was not aware of any Arkansas local governments that currently have such restrictions.
No members of the public signed up to testify. Representative Ray closed by urging the committee to advance the bill; he made a do‑pass motion. The committee approved the bill on a voice vote — the chair announced, “Aye,” and later confirmed, “The ayes have it.” The committee advanced the measure for further consideration by the full House.
