All Roll Calls
Yes: 82 • No: 31
UtahS.B. 2522026 General SessionSenate
Water Usage at State-owned Facilities Amendments
Sponsored By: Stephanie Pitcher (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Natural ResourcesAdministrative RulemakingAdministrative Rulemaking and ProceduresDepartment of Government OperationsGovernment Operations (State Issues)Facilities, Construction, and ManagementWaterNew Rulemaking AuthorityWater Conservation
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Cap lawn at state facilities
Beginning May 6, 2026, state facilities built or rebuilt on or after May 4, 2022 face a lawn cap. Agencies cannot have more than 20% of the grounds in lawn or turf. The Division of Water Resources may grant an exemption if extra lawn is needed for the agency’s work. When installing or replacing turf, agencies must use low-water grass unless the Division finds that is impractical because of slope, erosion, rocks, or similar features.
Cut outdoor water use and report
Each agency must cut outdoor water use from its fiscal year 2020 level. The target is at least 5% by the end of FY2023 and at least 25% by the end of FY2026. The Division of Water Resources sets a single, uniform way to measure use by rule. The Division posts agencies’ water-use data on a public website.
Irrigation audits and efficiency upgrades required
Agencies must check irrigation systems at least once a year and plan upgrades. New systems installed on or after May 6, 2026 must reach at least 75% distribution uniformity. DFCM routinely audits systems and lists actions to raise any system under 75%. The DFCM director may set rules to fold these audits into facility condition audits. Agencies also work with state universities to use the best practices and newest technology.
New rules for watering at state sites
Agencies may not water landscapes between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., unless the Division allows an exception. Agencies must follow weekly lawn-watering guides when the Division issues them. If a system lacks rain or wind shutoffs, staff must turn it off during rain or wind. Agencies must run a program to find and fix outdoor leaks. Agencies also work with the Division to use water-efficient methods and technology.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stephanie Pitcher
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Jill Koford
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 41 • No: 28
House vote • 3/4/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 25 • No: 2
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/24/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 3 • No: 1
House vote • 2/24/2026
Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/26/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/10/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/10/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd Reading Calendar to Rules
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
3/4/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
3/4/2026House/ to standing committee
3/3/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
3/3/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/3/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ uncircled
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ circled
3/2/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Substitute #1
2/23/2026
Introduced
2/4/2026