Senate amends water-use bill after cities press for clarifications on sidewalks, parks

Senators debated amendments to Senate Bill 15-23, a bill that would limit certain outdoor landscape water uses and impose prohibitions on specified turf and landscaping practices in new development.

The bill, discussed in the committee of the whole and subject to a Dunne floor amendment, drew extended questioning from municipal lawmakers and the minority leader about local implementation and sidewalk and park treatment. Senator Timothy Dunn, the bill sponsor, said he had met multiple times with city representatives and the League of Cities and Towns but acknowledged they had not agreed on how far the restrictions should go.

"The cities wanted to take out the whole first section," Dunn said, noting negotiations had narrowed to sidewalk language and allowances for gravel desert landscaping while still advancing the state's water conservation goals. Sen. Dunn said the amendment aimed to "not force nonfunctional turf" and to allow rock or desert landscaping in some cases while still conserving water.

Members debated whether the amendment addressed concerns including potential prohibition of desert parks and ambiguity about sidewalks. Senator Rebecca (minority leader) asked Dunn who he worked with on the amendment; Dunn replied that he had met with several cities and the League but that conversations were ongoing.

The Dunne floor amendment was adopted in committee; the bill was then returned with a committee "do pass" recommendation as amended. Committee records show the amendment modified sidewalk language and clarified that cities could allow gravel or desert landscaping in some circumstances rather than requiring turf.

Ending: The bill was advanced as amended. Senator Dunn said discussions with municipal stakeholders will continue in follow-up stakeholder meetings as the measure moves forward.