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HB 5343

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES -- LEAD BY EXAMPLE ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Directs state purchases to cut emissions and waste: shift to zero-emission fleet, EV charging, renewables, energy efficiency, and composting; bans single-use bottled water.

02/27/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 5343

Summary — HB 5343: "Lead By Example Act" (State Purchases)

Status snapshot
- Introduced: Feb 7, 2025 (bill text); filed March 14, 2025 (filed date in legislative actions)
- Committee action: House Environment & Natural Resources — committee recommended measure be held for further study (02/27/2025)
- Other actions: Read first time and referred to additional committees (Insurance; Public Health listed in record)

Purpose
- Directs state purchasing to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions and to “lead by example” by shifting state procurement toward low‑carbon vehicles, renewable and efficient technologies, and reduced single‑use plastics and foodservice waste.

Key provisions
1. Ban on single‑serve bottled water (§37‑2‑83)
- Prohibits use of state funds to purchase single‑serving bottled water for facilities served by public water supplies or potable wells.
- Exceptions for safety, health, or emergency situations.

  1. Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure (§37‑2‑84)

    • State funds to be used to lease/purchase electric vehicles (EVs) and EV infrastructure.
    • Defines EVs broadly (light/medium/heavy passenger vehicles, buses, emergency vehicles, bicycles, scooters); excludes hybrids that rely on internal combustion.
    • Temporary allowance to procure hybrids or combustion vehicles if comparable EVs are unavailable.
    • Targets: ≥45% of the state’s light‑duty fleet to be zero‑emission vehicles by 2030; at least 200 EV charging stations on state property by 2030.
    • Annual reporting on vehicle replacements and new acquisitions.

  2. Renewable energy and energy efficiency (§37‑2‑85)

    • State funds to purchase/install renewable and energy‑efficient technologies on state properties (new builds and renovations).
    • EUI reduction targets (weather‑normalized BTU/sq ft, 2014 baseline): 20% by 2030, 30% by 2040, 40% by 2050.
    • Annual reporting of EUI by property/building.

  3. Recycling, composting, and biodegradable foodservice (§37‑2‑86)

    • Purchase recycling bins for all state buildings; lease/purchase compost bins and contract composting services.
    • Cafeterias must provide biodegradable/compostable utensils, straws, cups, plates, napkins by Jan 1, 2026; no plastic plates, cutlery, or drinkware after Jan 1, 2026.
    • All agencies must implement recycling and compost programs by Jan 1, 2027.
    • Annual reporting on program status and, where possible, volumes/weights composted, recycled, and landfilled.

  4. Leaf blowers (§37‑2‑87)

    • Bill contains definitions and exemptions for gasoline‑powered leaf blowers; section is truncated in provided text, so full scope of restrictions is not available.

Reporting and oversight
- The Department of Administration’s Capital Asset Management Division must prepare annual reports (due Jan 31) on vehicle procurement, EUI, and recycling/composting status.
- Reports are submitted to the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4), the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and the Governor.

Who is affected
- State agencies, fleet managers, facilities managers, employees operating or procuring vehicles and equipment, state cafeterias and food service vendors, waste and compost contractors, and vendors supplying EVs, charging infrastructure, and energy technologies.

Potential impacts
- Environmental: reduced single‑use plastic waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions from fleets and buildings.
- Fiscal/operational: up‑front capital and installation costs for EVs, charging stations, renewable systems, and retrofits; potential long‑term operational and fuel/energy savings.
- Administrative: new procurement rules, staged implementation deadlines, and recurring reporting obligations.

Notes and limitations
- Enforcement mechanisms and funding sources are not detailed in the provided text.
- The leaf blower section is incomplete in the version provided — additional restrictions or exemptions may exist in the full bill.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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