Requires state properties which utilize irrigation for landscaped areas to be equipped with smart irrigation systems; provides that new construction or projects involving the installation or substantial rehabilitation of irrigation systems shall utilize smart irrigation systems; provides that existing irrigation systems on state property shall be converted to smart irrigation systems within five years; provides for exemptions.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
11508
IN ASSEMBLY
May 28, 2026
___________
Introduced by COMMITTEE ON RULES -- (at request of M. of A. Simon) --
read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the public buildings law, in relation to requiring state
properties which utilize irrigation for landscaped areas to be
equipped with smart irrigation systems
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The public buildings law is amended by adding a new section
2 148 to read as follows:
3 § 148. Smart irrigation systems required for state property. 1. For
4 purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following
5 meanings:
6 (a) "Smart irrigation system" shall mean an in-ground, automated
7 watering system that uses digital technology to create a custom map of a
8 property and uses real-time weather data or other environmental condi-
9 tions to optimize water use and limit unnecessary irrigation.
10 (b) "State property" shall mean any real property owned, leased, or
11 managed by the state of New York, including but not limited to build-
12 ings, facilities, grounds, lawns, and landscaped areas.
13 2. All state property that utilizes irrigation for landscaped areas,
14 including lawns and grass, shall be equipped with a smart irrigation
15 system in accordance with the provisions of this section.
16 3. (a) All new construction and all projects involving the installa-
17 tion or substantial rehabilitation of irrigation systems on or after the
18 effective date of this section shall comply with the requirements of
19 this section.
20 (b) All existing irrigation systems on state property shall be retro-
21 fitted or replaced to comply with this section no later than five years
22 after the effective date of this section.
23 4. The commissioner of general services shall promulgate rules and
24 regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section,
25 including but not limited to:
26 (a) minimum standards for smart irrigation systems;
27 (b) water efficiency benchmarks;
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15512-03-6
A. 11508 2
1 (c) installation, operation, and maintenance requirements; and
2 (d) reporting and compliance procedures.
3 5. The commissioner of general services may grant exemptions, in whole
4 or in part, for:
5 (a) properties or areas where irrigation is minimal or not required;
6 or
7 (b) environmentally sensitive or protected lands where irrigation
8 systems would be inappropriate.
9 6. Each state agency with jurisdiction over state property shall be
10 responsible for ensuring compliance with this section and any regu-
11 lations promulgated pursuant thereto.
12 § 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
13 it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amend-
14 ment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implemen-
15 tation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
16 completed on or before such effective date.
