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Bill

A 11508

Requires state properties which utilize irrigation for landscaped areas to be equipped with smart irrigation systems

2025 Regular Session

New York state properties with landscaped areas must install or retrofit to smart irrigation systems within five years to boost water efficiency.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 11508

Overview

A.11508 (2025-2026) from New York Assembly proposes requiring state-owned, leased, or managed properties with landscaped areas to install smart irrigation systems. The measure applies to new irrigation installations and mandates retrofitting existing systems within five years of the statute’s effective date. The bill directs the Commissioner of General Services to set standards and allows exemptions in limited circumstances. It becomes law 180 days after enactment, with initial regulatory actions possible before that date.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve water efficiency for state property with landscaped areas by deploying smart irrigation technology.
  • Establish minimum standards, benchmarks, and compliance mechanisms to ensure irrigation systems reduce unnecessary watering and adapt to environmental conditions.

Key provisions

  1. Definitions

    • Smart irrigation system: In-ground, automated system that uses digital mapping and real-time weather or environmental data to optimize water use and minimize waste.
    • State property: All real property owned, leased, or managed by New York State, including buildings, facilities, grounds, lawns, and landscaped areas.

  2. Scope

    • All state properties with irrigation for landscaped areas must be equipped with smart irrigation systems.

  3. Compliance timeline

    • New construction and major rehabilitation or installation of irrigation systems on or after the effective date: must comply with the section’s requirements.
    • All existing state irrigation systems: must be retrofitted or replaced to meet the requirements within five years after the effective date.

  4. Regulatory implementation

    • The Commissioner of General Services must promulgate rules and regulations to implement the bill, specifying:
      • Minimum smart irrigation system standards
      • Water efficiency benchmarks
      • Installation, operation, and maintenance requirements
      • Reporting and compliance procedures

  5. Exemptions

    • Exemptions may be granted in whole or part for:
      • Properties or areas with minimal or no irrigation needs
      • Environmentally sensitive or protected lands where irrigation would be inappropriate

  6. Agency responsibilities

    • Each state agency with jurisdiction over state property is responsible for ensuring compliance with the act and its regulations.

  7. Effective date

    • The act takes effect 180 days after becoming law.
    • Regulatory actions necessary for implementation can be issued and completed on or before the effective date.

Who is affected

  • State properties: All real properties owned, leased, or managed by New York State with landscaped areas that currently require irrigation.
  • State agencies managing such properties: Responsible for compliance and enforcement.
  • General Services Department: Charged with developing rules, standards, and procedures.
  • Potentially affected stakeholders include contractors and vendors involved in installing or retrofitting irrigation systems on state property.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction/Referral: May 28, 2026; referred to Committee on Governmental Operations.
  • Regulatory timeline: The commissioner must promulgate regulations to implement the act, covering standards, benchmarks, installation/maintenance, and reporting.
  • Effective date: 180 days after enactment.
  • Compliance deadline for existing systems: Five years after the act’s effective date.

Potential impacts

  • Water conservation: Expected reduction in outdoor water use on state property through smarter irrigation practices.
  • Capital and operating costs: Upfront costs for retrofitting or replacing irrigation systems; ongoing maintenance aligned with smart technology.
  • Compliance burden: State agencies will need to adapt procurement, asset management, and reporting to meet new standards.
  • Exceptions: Flexibility to protect sensitive lands or low-irrigation areas, ensuring the policy targets appropriate sites.

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

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