WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 370

Industrial use facilities; local authority on requiring water consumption in zoning ordinance.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Reid

HB 370 prohibits local governments from requiring industrial facilities to meet water consumption standards in zoning ordinances, prioritizing development approval over local water management controls.

Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 370

Legislative bill overview

HB 370 limits local governments' authority to impose water consumption requirements on industrial facilities through zoning ordinances. The bill restricts municipalities and counties from establishing mandatory water use thresholds or restrictions as conditions for zoning approval of industrial projects. This represents a state-level constraint on local land-use regulatory power.

Why is this important

Water management is increasingly critical as communities face drought, infrastructure strain, and competing demands between industrial growth and residential/agricultural needs. The bill's outcome will determine whether localities can use zoning as a tool to ensure industrial development aligns with regional water availability, or whether state preemption favors industrial expansion regardless of local water concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state preemption: Municipalities argue they need zoning flexibility to protect local water supplies; state-level restriction limits their land-use governance authority
  • Industrial competitiveness: Businesses favor predictable zoning rules without water-consumption gatekeeping; localities want leverage to ensure sustainable development patterns
  • Regional water scarcity: Areas facing water stress may view this as preventing necessary protections, while others see it as removing artificial barriers to economic development

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

Sign in to ask a question.