All Roll Calls
Yes: 99 • No: 11
UtahS.B. 462026 General SessionSenate
Water Wise Landscaping Amendments
Sponsored By: Keven J. Stratton (Republican)
Signed by Governor
State FacilitiesEducationHigher EducationEnvironmentNatural ResourcesDepartment of Government OperationsGovernment Operations (State Issues)WaterWater Conservation
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger rules to cut state outdoor water use
Each state agency must cut outdoor water use at least 5% from FY2020 by the end of FY2023, and at least 25% by the end of FY2026. Agencies must submit outdoor‑use data to the Division by October 1, 2022 (FY2020 and FY2022), October 1, 2023 (FY2023), and October 1, 2026 (FY2026). The Division posts the data online and sets one standard way to measure it. Overhead spray irrigation is not allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless the Division allows it. Agencies must follow weekly watering guides, fix leaks, shut off overhead spray during rain or wind if no active weather or soil‑based controls are in place, and audit and upgrade irrigation yearly.
Water-wise landscaping at new state facilities
Beginning May 6, 2026, new or rebuilt state facilities must use water‑wise landscaping. At least 50% of the grounds must be canopy, and it cannot exceed local limits. Non‑functional turf cannot be more than the lesser of 20% of the grounds or the local cap, and none is allowed in park strips. Agencies must consider using functional turf, which is turf at least 8 feet wide, on slopes of 25% or less, planted with low‑water species, and watered to plant needs without overhead spray unless active weather or soil‑based controls are used. For these calculations, “grounds” means landscaped areas and excludes buildings and paved surfaces.
Case-by-case turf cap exemptions
The Division of Water Resources can exempt a state facility from the non‑functional turf limit. It may grant a waiver if the agency’s mission requires more turf. This authority starts May 6, 2026.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Keven J. Stratton
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Casey Snider
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/11/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 59 • No: 11
House vote • 2/5/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/21/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 28 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/24/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
2/19/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
2/19/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
2/13/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
2/13/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
2/12/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/12/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/11/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
2/11/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/11/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/11/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
2/6/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
2/6/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/5/2026House Comm - Not Considered
2/2/2026House/ to standing committee
1/30/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
1/28/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
1/27/2026HouseSenate/ to House
1/27/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
1/21/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
1/21/2026SenateSenate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
1/20/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
2/19/2026
Introduced
12/22/2025