Why 3/5: The bill is currently moving through the legislative process, though its operational changes are delayed until January 1, 2027.
Water users providing water offsite will need to report more detailed consumption data, specifically breaking out water used by data centers, domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes. This increased transparency will provide state regulators with better information on water usage patterns, aiding in water resource management and environmental planning.
Update
Conferees appointed by Senate
Update
Senate Conferees: Srinivasan, Marsden, Stuart
Update
Conferees appointed by House
Update
House Conferees: Guzman, Lopez, Morefield
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Conference Report released
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (78-Y 19-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (26-Y 13-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB496ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Certain data from water users; water use consumption for domestic, etc., purposes, data centers.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 623 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0623)