Senate Bill Report - SB 6149, Definition of Rural County (As of January 26, 2026)

Summary

This Senate Bill Report on SB 6149 is dated as of January 26, 2026, and records Business, Trade & Economic Development committee activity on 1/28/26. The sponsors are Senators Wilson, J., Dozier, Short and Chapman. The bill changes the definition of rural county: in addition to the current definition, a county with a population density of 100 persons per square mile or greater, with no city with a population greater than 75,000 persons, is also defined as a rural county. The report states that as of 2025, there are 27 rural counties. It lists appropriation as none and an effective date ninety days after adjournment of session in which the bill is passed.

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                             SENATE BILL REPORT
                                   SB 6149

                                      As of January 26, 2026

Title: An act relating to the definition of "rural county" for purposes of public facilities funding.

Brief Description: Concerning the definition of "rural county" for purposes of public facilities
     funding.

Sponsors: Senators Wilson, J., Dozier, Short and Chapman.

Brief History:
     Committee Activity: Business, Trade & Economic Development: 1/28/26.


                                      Brief Summary of Bill
           • Defines a county with a population density of 100 persons per square
             mile or greater, with no city with a population greater than 75,000
             persons, as a rural county.


SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

     Staff: William Bridges (786-7312)

     Background: A rural county is defined as a county with a population density less than 100
     persons per square mile or a county smaller than 225 square miles, as determined by the
     Office of Financial Management. Several statutes use this definition for tax and other
     assistance programs, including but not limited to statutes referencing public facilities loans
     and grants, the coordination of community and economic development services, and excise
     taxes. As of 2025, there are 27 rural counties.

     Summary of Bill: The definition of rural county is changed. In addition to the current
     definition of rural county, a county with a population density of 100 persons per square mile
     or greater, with no city with a population greater than 75,000 persons, is also defined as a
     rural county.



     This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
     members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
     constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Senate Bill Report                              -1-                                             SB 6149
     Appropriation: None.

     Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2026.

     Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

     Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.




Senate Bill Report                            -2-                                        SB 6149


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