[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6335130,"mediaKeyId","2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498","parentId",2291461,"title","Delegate Linda Foley proposes phased state ban and sale prohibition on gas leaf blowers in HB 701","audioSeconds",360,"startMs",3221000,"endMs",3581000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498&start=3221&end=3581","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498/thumbnail_3221000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6335130/Maryland/Delegate-Linda-Foley-proposes-phased-state-ban-and-sale-prohibition-on-gas-leaf-blowers-in-HB-701","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335130-097f1df8c193c576ae30269859845c7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187533&Signature=TrJ-f0w3Vf0Jx4VZF1RVcy142F0MSPwNxBNynCqXHw3wUzPRzNxMMsZGdTY~PJ6mVHs4Qumn6nOSdbtGwtUj465rZutO5ArbcZB2fawmmeeesWP5iUS~F~2ZCIY50MSHMn-QuQE6RjqPFxbUBJR3K0tOy1kvk1Rp-J0k9i~ddaGQRmfPlV39M5mO~wt4zvBanvhYTrSPENbOZaZDYSjXJI6njxzyrvgR1tfREOg4Ua1Cb7Fb-mR1~zJQY0mu2VgMWa0YkEdQcQFaRyqX5qzib3bM4zUilKofMS0PGhN~2DYcP~d4fi5JaX7w8yYKa3-KMTsbQR3CNqPxevF-I6Bj~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MGA - ECM","date","2025-02-11T00:00:00Z","article","Delegate Linda Foley presented House Bill 701, called the Clean Air Quiet Communities Act, asking the Economic Matters Committee to require state agencies and state contractors to transition away from gasoline-powered leaf blowers and to prohibit retail sales of gas blowers beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Foley said the bill would “slowly phase out the use of gas powered leaf blowers on state property by state agencies and state contractors,” with a target that the state would replace gas equipment with electric devices as units reach the end of useful life and reach all-electric on state property by Jan. 1, 2030. She included a retail sales prohibition in the bill and said the measure is not a statewide ban on consumers or farmers using gas blowers.

“HB 7 0 1 slowly phases out the use of gas powered leaf blowers on state property by state agencies and state contractors,” Foley said during her opening remarks.

Supporters emphasized pollution and noise. The Maryland Sierra Club’s Marie Laporte told the committee that handheld two‑stroke gas devices are a substantial source of smog-forming pollution in the state and estimated large aggregate emissions reductions if the state switches to electric. Advocates also cited noise and occupational hearing risks, citing National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health guidance and local jurisdictions that have already adopted restrictions.

Opponents—largely landscaping and retail trade groups and turfgrass interests—pressed the committee on commercial feasibility, charging and battery life, upfront costs for commercial-grade batteries and chargers, and unintended consequences for small and minority-owned businesses that hold state contracts. Witnesses said commercial batteries can cost hundreds of dollars, may require multiple spare batteries for a full day of commercial work, and that charging infrastructure or battery trailers can add capital cost (witnesses cited $10,000 as an example for a charging trailer).

Retail representatives asked the committee to add a sell‑through period for existing inventory and to avoid creating a patchwork of local rules that complicate compliance. The Maryland Department of the Environment raised enforcement-resource concerns in written testimony, the sponsor said.

Committee members asked about market trends, battery runtime and charging logistics and whether municipal bans in Montgomery County and elsewhere offer a roadmap. The sponsor said Montgomery County and other jurisdictions already restrict gas blowers and that market trends—retailers reporting increasing electric inventory—support transition, though she also said she would work with the committee to address contractor impacts.

The committee did not record a final vote at the hearing. Members asked for additional information but took testimony from a wide range of supporters and opponents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ECM Committee Session, 2/11/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","Delegate Linda Foley told the House Economic Matters Committee HB 701 would require Maryland state agencies and state contractors to transition to electric leaf blowers and would ban retail sales of gas-powered leaf blowers beginning Jan. 1, 2027.","taxTitle","Economic Matters Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15059,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6335140,"Delegate Hornberger renews push for 'right to repair' tractors in Maryland hearing on HB 842",1045,411000,1456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498&start=411&end=1456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498/thumbnail_411000.jpg","/articles/6335140/Maryland/Delegate-Hornberger-renews-push-for-right-to-repair-tractors-in-Maryland-hearing-on-HB-842","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335140-9fb13d7ba18f07c4124a3d544bd705fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187533&Signature=cY0iZqCpcscBzfVStQmYRvUAHALkd~tJUxIV0W1m4-8sivTEJ~he8C1fONWlIC0QiT-DQrTnglyczvGLkT4SyEsmKT0RcOPfNK74cdj-t8xS8tLHz8xcbrZt6mhhAuhMSZCkDs3vc-mZQEUUARJKZ4TYowx3M55ZB4iMA~qE0l-OPWszcsQBkfiKGlXpmw-robuJKyKOy7LqtExMNwAkNwGYhpdM18wQSR8yaDFs3MP5WCQovU1qh2fPRxMtZLeiSJcyi6ZguWLLLBU-3msKe5KBBtD~Khv9n9~wzmcRIQ9UEOk~F~wBm9yHarbPHCjgBBYMPX6-86uqv~6AOEqPTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Kevin Hornberger introduced House Bill 842 on the floor of the House Economic Matters Committee as legislation to give farmers and independent repair providers greater access to parts, diagnostic tools and software needed to repair tractors and other heavy equipment.

“Gonna start off with HB 8 42. This is the farmer right to repair,” Delegate Kevin Hornberger said at the start of the presentation. Hornberger framed the bill as a response to what he called manufacturer limits on repairs that create downtime during seasonal harvests.

The bill’s sponsor said a 2023 US Public Interest Research Group study found that farmers lose roughly $3,500 per year to downtime caused by repair restrictions, and argued that the problem is large enough nationally to raise costs substantially. “When I buy something, do I own it? Right. If I pay for something and I buy it and I own it, I should have the right to repair it or to have someone else repair it of my choosing,” Hornberger said.

Hornberger and other proponents said manufacturers in some cases limit access to firmware and telematics so that a replaced mechanical part must be accompanied by a manufacturer-only software reset. That, they said, leaves farmers waiting for manufacturer technicians or paying higher rates to dealer technicians.

Opponents and questioning committee members pressed on warranty and safety issues. A committee member asked whether a farmer who attempts a repair and makes a mistake should expect the manufacturer to fix that work under warranty; Hornberger replied that the bill would not require manufacturers to cover repairs made outside of manufacturers’ guidelines. “This bill in no way forces manufacturers or maintenance providers to make up for bad actors in this space,” Hornberger said.

A representative of the Engine Technology Forum, a nonprofit trade group representing advanced-engine manufacturers, opposed HB 842 and warned the committee that easing repair restrictions could increase tampering with emissions controls and run afoul of the federal Clean Air Act. The witness said manufacturers have invested heavily in emissions controls and said there is a documented history of tampering aimed at improving performance at the cost of emissions.

Committee members discussed whether industry promises to expand access to diagnostic equipment and technicians have been fulfilled; Hornberger said manufacturers were given a two-year window to expand service availability and that the market had not corrected itself. He noted the Federal Trade Commission’s civil action against John Deere as part of the evidence he plans to present.

The committee heard questions and responses but did not take a recorded final vote on HB 842 at the hearing. The chair concluded the presentation and the committee moved to the next bill on the agenda.

Why it matters: Supporters say repair limits create downtime and higher costs for farmers—especially at harvest—while opponents cite warranty limits, emissions and safety concerns. The bill would modify owners’ ability to access repairs and diagnostics; the scope of any changes would depend on bill language and subsequent committee amendments.

Next steps: The hearing record shows testimony, questions and committee discussion. Committee staff and members signaled further consideration but no committee disposition was recorded in the transcript.","Delegate Kevin Hornberger introduced House Bill 842, the “farmer right to repair,” asking the House Economic Matters Committee to allow farmers and independent shops access to parts and diagnostic tools to keep tractors and heavy equipment running.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6335135,"Automotive industry, repair shops clash in Economic Matters hearing over HB 843 right-to-repair bill",988,1470000,2458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498&start=1470&end=2458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498/thumbnail_1470000.jpg","/articles/6335135/Maryland/Automotive-industry-repair-shops-clash-in-Economic-Matters-hearing-over-HB-843-right-to-repair-bill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335135-aa122ba488545dff2e3464b1a645a21c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187533&Signature=b3naDiEeERl5zybLcLVR-qu0j0FrZ1jcZ0sD4gOtdqyChImQJ58GRUt4RV7x8SlX07UON-xlmYJrYaaWGJwnCdBHd5HRcMJlmXsjF3zZqWlxySqNEOHfvzeGvBS6iG~tfS3ymqdWKzR82fUvsMUqIcAErufcdoJoKfnIu00N5mdj-5dQfJnkO17p4hViWMzH5dNeMarnWM~TeGFL7r39k-n15wG1qgcaaleAiOPwtOAuY8UPXoTjskGa9H2nuSNvCmeZwOjq1XExhcz2klNJilGpSVVFkHWzsRhUCYHrrf70~VJks5ndSwzsPhR5jMigueHqsofACPya4WxfgrlicA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Kevin Hornberger presented House Bill 843, a proposal he said would “protect consumers' rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles.” Hornberger told the House Economic Matters Committee the bill would give independent repair shops and aftermarket-parts providers access to vehicle telematics, diagnostic tools and repair information at a fair price.

“This legislation protects consumers' rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles,” Hornberger said in his opening remarks.

Supporters included Kirk McCauley, who spoke for service stations, convenience stores and automotive repair shops, arguing the measure would preserve consumer choice once factory warranties expire. “When the warranty's up, the consumer ought to have access to the repair shop that they want to use,” McCauley said.

Industry groups representing automakers and franchised dealers urged the committee to reject HB 843 or to proceed cautiously. Josh Fisher of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said automakers already provide independent repair shops “all the information needed to diagnose and service a vehicle” and pointed to the Massachusetts right-to-repair law and a national memorandum of understanding (MOU) established in 2014 and updated in 2023.

“Automakers already make available to independent repair businesses all the information needed to diagnose and service a vehicle,” Fisher said during testimony.

Leaders of dealer associations and regional auto groups likewise said the memorandum of understanding and recent national agreements address telematics and repair access; they argued a state-level statute could produce inconsistent rules across states and risk legal and operational complications. Dealer representatives also emphasized that warranty arrangements between manufacturers and franchised dealers involve negotiated pricing for tools and parts, and said requiring identical pricing for third parties could interfere with existing franchise agreements.

Committee members pressed both sides on whether specific providers fail to share data. One member raised a recent dispute reported between Safelite and Subaru over windshield systems; automaker and dealer witnesses said they would investigate and follow up with details. Several members questioned whether a state statute was necessary where national agreements and federal initiatives are in play.

The committee did not take a roll-call vote on HB 843 at the hearing. Members heard multiple witnesses for and against the measure and asked staff to gather additional information, including details about which manufacturers participate in the national MOU and what gaps remain.","Delegate Kevin Hornberger told the House Economic Matters Committee that HB 843 would require automakers to make repair information, telematics and diagnostics available to independent repair shops and consumers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6335124,"Supporters urge ‘truth in lending’ disclosure for small-business financing in HB 693 hearing; industry pushes alternative disclosure model",0,10078000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498&start=10078&end=10078","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2291461-9bf895706816b7a0d48ea147fc9d7498/thumbnail_10078000.jpg","/articles/6335124/Maryland/Supporters-urge-truth-in-lending-disclosure-for-small-business-financing-in-HB-693-hearing-industry-pushes-alternative-disclosure-model","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6335124-b7e906e4ef4930d9638fcceca7a497ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187533&Signature=DyI3JdcZNHoOc8QLEcA8iSHXYNpUL2LxMAux1NFZjGm7OSSqYnGi9TisOccedfCiuB9w8-s-Fde4ICqbfMM2LFHlSm3kZPJj-ZBXVoY8Q50XlcOq2ADeb~KAwvsBFujEcJ8ss1Mu4NI5i4ph-evZTfZJ~pSGoDTkjIYLR8yX7XVeglXmqbqTg8o1VbHR604f5jDXbGMXsCAz70rKLFCnwpOtY0MOdZYI1V~Ey7ooTPrY3F2l-3QCeBecbR6KvAKgl8iwIKaSxSRAw9hD5rEKPNeOiXt4oQa1L4aDCsu8buzQAwZsUvP9JLJPa6KcdKKkZjHs-iJIXxR4tdJzvGV2kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Economic Matters Committee heard House Bill 693, a proposal to require expanded disclosure for many small‑business financing products, including an estimated annual percentage rate (APR) and related payment information.

Supporters included community lenders, civil-rights and small‑business organizations and a range of business owners who described experiences with short‑term, high‑cost financing products that can leave enterprises unable to recover. Kaylee Locklear of the Maryland Retailers Alliance described a member who took high‑cost financing that ultimately contributed to the business’s failure.

“Common sense APR disclosure for small business financing is supported by the FTC, small business groups, the banks, for profit fintech lenders, non profit civil rights and community groups,” Locklear said in testimony supporting the bill.

Nonprofit lenders, CDFIs and trade groups also testified in favor. Joshua Miller of the Opportunity Fund and a speaker from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition said lack of transparency disproportionately harms Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs; Opportunity Fund witnesses reported APRs in sample contracts averaging roughly 94% and in some cases exceeding 300%.

Industry witnesses and trade associations representing nonbank financing providers opposed the bill’s APR requirement and urged the committee to adopt a different disclosure model—the “total cost of capital” or flat‑dollar disclosure—arguing APR is not an appropriate metric for flexible, revenue‑based or short‑term commercial financing products. They pointed to seven states that have chosen alternative disclosure regimes and urged Maryland to align with neighboring Virginia’s disclosure model.

Representatives from the Innovative Lending Platform Association, the Revenue Based Finance Coalition and several finance companies said APR can be misleading for products without fixed terms or fixed amortization schedules and argued that total cost of capital gives businesses a clear dollar‑figure comparison. Industry witnesses also stressed that banks are exempt and that some business borrowers have alternative financing options.

Committee members pressed both sides about real-world examples, whether APR calculations can be accurate for short-term products, and how disclosures would affect access to capital. Witnesses for proponents said disclosure tools and compliance software are available and that California and New York have implemented APR requirements without major market exits; opponents said APR can produce misleading, inflated figures for short-term products.

The hearing record shows broad agreement that small businesses need clearer information about financing costs; the parties disagree on the best standard. The committee did not record a final vote and asked for further follow-up on implementation and practical disclosure formats.","The Economic Matters Committee heard testimony on HB 693, a ‘Small Business Truth in Lending’ bill that would require APR and related disclosures for many commercial financing products. Supporters — banks, community lenders and small-business advocates — said transparency would prevent high-cost loans from trapping entrepreneurs. Industry groups","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Delegate Linda Foley proposes phased state ban and sale prohibition on gas leaf blowers in HB 701

Delegate Hornberger renews push for 'right to repair' tractors in Maryland hearing on HB 842

Automotive industry, repair shops clash in Economic Matters hearing over HB 843 right-to-repair bill

Supporters urge ‘truth in lending’ disclosure for small-business financing in HB 693 hearing; industry pushes alternative disclosure model