The golf industry visited Washington, D.C., for National Golf Day from April 30-May 2, but it is important to remember that not all legislating happens in our nation’s capital. Spring is also a busy time for state legislatures around the country, who, year in and year out, consider bills that could impact the way golf courses are managed.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are 7,575 elected officials serving as state House and state Senate members, each of whom has the ability to introduce, advance and influence measures affecting land management, plant health, outdoor power equipment and a host of other issues impacting superintendents. Compare that to just 535 members serving in a gridlocked United States Congress, and one quickly realizes the importance of advocating at the state level.
Thus far in 2025, more than 30 bills have been filed in state capitals across the country that in some way could impact golf course management. Not all of these proposals have a chance at passage, but many of them will at least be heard in committee, and some of them may even advance through one or both chambers and become law. Below is a review of some of the more impactful pieces of legislation we are currently tracking, listed alphabetically by state.
By California standards, there are few bills of concern, but there certainly is one which the golf industry eagerly supports — SB 72, the California Water Plan, which generally seeks to increase water supply to meet current and future needs by addressing issues related to development of new water storage facilities, groundwater recharge, water recycling, desalination, conservation measures and more. On the other hand, the California golf industry opposes SB 51, which would move the state to permanent standard time. Not only does the bill go against the desires of a vast majority of Californians — as demonstrated by a 2018 ballot measure — it would also mean fewer opportunities for evening rounds and harm junior and high school golf programming.
Connecticut’s legislative session is shaping up to be similar to years past with numerous bills filed that would restrict or ban the use of insecticide and rodenticide products, even for certified applicators. Superintendents are aware of these bills and providing testimony as needed.
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, H 950 would make glyphosate products restricted use, while S 587 would prohibit the use of neonicotinoid-based insecticides. Meanwhile, H 954, among others, would create a patchwork of differing local ordinances by permitting municipal governments to regulate pesticide use.
For years, pesticide issues in New Jersey created great challenges, but it appears the issue du jour has now changed to the use of outdoor power equipment. Although apparently stalled due to opposition, S 217 would prohibit the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers statewide. Meanwhile, at the local level in West Orange, N.J., a veto by the mayor of an ordinance banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers was upheld by the council over cost concerns.
New York’s Bethpage State Park will play host to golf’s most exciting international golf tournament, the Ryder Cup, this fall. However, that hasn’t stopped Albany lawmakers from introducing numerous proposals making golf course management more difficult, including bans on the use of turf health products on state park lands, bills banning the use of leaf blowers and mowers, and S 5983, which undermines state-level regulation of pesticide applications.
Landscaping equipment rebate programs have come into vogue in recent years as lawmakers try to incentivize conversion to battery-powered equipment. GCSAA is generally supportive of such programs, given they don’t mandate conversion and that they include golf courses as qualifying businesses for the rebate. However, S 1574 in New York and HB 3016 in Oregon, as introduced, unfortunately appear inclusive of only landscape contractors and not golf course superintendents.
Regardless the issue, where public policy and golf course management intersect, GCSAA will continue to fight for the best interest of its members while advancing their profession.
Michael Lee is GCSAA’s senior manager of government affairs.