SB 24-005

Senate Bill 24-005, which was approved by the governor and is now law, bans local governments from allowing certain landscaping practices that are not environmentally friendly starting January 1, 2026. This means no more installation of non-functional grass or artificial turf on commercial, institutional, industrial properties, common interest community areas, streets, parking lots, medians, or transportation corridors. The state government is also restricted from using these materials in projects for new or renovated state facilities starting January 1, 2025. However, the ban does not apply to artificial turf used on athletic fields. This law aims to promote water conservation and environmental protection by discouraging the use of landscaping that doesn't support local ecosystems.

Official Summary

On and after January 1, 2026, the act prohibits local governments from allowing the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on commercial, institutional, or industrial property, common interest community property, or a street right-of-way, parking lot, median, or transportation corridor. The act also prohibits the department of personnel from allowing the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species as part of a project for the construction or renovation of a state facility, which project design commences on or after January 1, 2025. Artificial turf on athletic fields of play is exempted from the prohibitions. APPROVED by Governor March 15, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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