HB 125: Department of Natural Resources Related Modifications Amendments - Utah

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 9 edits

MAJOR

This bill significantly updates Utah's laws regarding invasive aquatic species, water rights, and state agency operations. It introduces strict new rules to prevent the spread of invasive mussels, including mandatory fees for vessel owners and education requirements for boaters. The bill also clarifies water management procedures, adjusts funding for geological surveys, and modernizes overtime policies for state employees.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of invasive species enforcement to include specific definitions for 'conveyances' and 'infested waters,' while simultaneously creating exemptions for government vessels and boat livery customers. It also broadens the authority of the Division of Wildlife Resources to close water bodies and supply systems.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'invasive mussel,' 'conveyance,' 'infested water,' and 'boat livery' to clarify enforcement standards.

REQUIREMENT

New fees ($20 for residents, $25 for nonresidents) are now required for vessel owners to launch or operate boats, unless they are government vessels or renting from a boat livery.

Boat owners and operators must now complete an annual aquatic invasive species education course before launching a vessel.

ELIGIBILITY

Renters or lessees of boats from a 'boat livery' are exempt from paying the invasive species fee and displaying decals, provided the livery owner handles decontamination.

ENFORCEMENT

The Division of Wildlife Resources is granted authority to close water bodies, facilities, or water supply systems if invasive mussels are detected.

FISCAL

Funding for the Utah Geological Survey Board was modified to include a new public member, and the State Parks account was updated to include bison sale proceeds.

The Alternative Energy Development Tax Credit Act was repealed, removing the associated tax credit provisions.

TIMELINE

Secondary water metering deadlines and loan limits were adjusted, and new tiered conservation billing rates must be implemented by July 1, 2030.

TECHNICAL

The term 'buffalo' was changed to 'bison' in several sections to align with modern terminology.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 9 edits

MAJOR

The bill was significantly expanded from a focused aquatic invasive species (AIS) measure into a comprehensive Department of Natural Resources (DNR) omnibus package. While it retains the original AIS definitions and vessel fee structure, it now includes major additions regarding cultural site stewardship, geological survey governance, water rights recordkeeping, and the repeal of several unrelated tax and funding acts.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from solely addressing aquatic invasive species to covering a wide range of DNR administrative functions, including geological surveys, water rights, cultural heritage, and the repeal of multiple tax credits and funding initiatives.

SCOPE

Added a new section requiring the Division of Water Rights to maintain records in either physical or electronic form.

FISCAL

Added an appropriation of $5,000,000 for DNR operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2027.

Repealed the Alternative Energy Development Tax Credit Act and the Watershed Restoration Initiative funding section.

DEFINITION

Added a new section defining 'Cultural site' and establishing the Cultural Site Stewardship Program.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements for the Utah Geological Survey, including modifications to its board makeup and duties.

Modified boat livery recordkeeping requirements to allow records to be kept in physical or electronic form.

TECHNICAL

Changed the term 'buffalo' to 'bison' in specific circumstances within the bill.

TIMELINE

Added a new statewide aquatic invasive species emergency response plan with annual review requirements.

ENFORCEMENT

Added stricter penalties for boat livery owners who knowingly alter decontamination records or fail to pay fees.

Amended 2/19/2026 13:02:875 → Substitute #1 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's laws to combat aquatic invasive species, specifically focusing on the spread of invasive mussels. It clarifies definitions, adjusts fees, and modifies requirements for boat owners and rental services to prevent the introduction of these harmful species into Utah's waterways.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of prohibited items from just 'Dreissena' mussels to include all 'invasive mussels' (such as golden mussels) and broadens the definition of 'conveyance' to include terrestrial vehicles and parts that could carry these mussels.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'conveyance' to include motor vehicles, trailers, and containers, ensuring that non-water vehicles used to transport boats are also regulated.

Broadened the definition of 'invasive mussel' to include the genus Limnoperna (golden mussel), not just Dreissena species.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the decontamination requirement for boats coming from infested waters from a strict 30-day limit to a more flexible rule-based timeline.

Revised the aquatic invasive species education course requirement to allow boat livery owners to ensure renters complete the course before launching, rather than requiring every individual operator to prove completion annually.

Modified recordkeeping rules for boat livery owners to require records for at least one year, replacing previous vague requirements.

ENFORCEMENT

Clarified the roles of the Division of Law Enforcement and the Division of Wildlife Resources in inspections and closures.

TECHNICAL

Removed outdated fee collection language and repealed an obsolete statute related to aquatic invasive species fees.

Amended Excerpts 2/19/2026 13:02:875 → Amended 2/19/2026 13:02:875 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill updates definitions for aquatic invasive species to include new mussel types and clarifies exemptions for boat liveries and government agencies. It modifies rules on when fees and education courses are required, specifically adding conditions for transporting vessels on highways and defining 'infested water' more broadly. These changes aim to strengthen prevention efforts while providing clearer guidance on liability and compliance for vessel owners and operators.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of prohibited species to include the Limnoperna mussel and broadens the definition of 'infested water' to include geographic regions, not just specific water bodies. It also extends exemptions to boat liveries under specific transport conditions.

DEFINITION

Added 'Limnoperna mussel' and 'golden mussel' to the list of invasive species and defined 'infested water' to include geographic regions identified by the Wildlife Board.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified exemptions for boat liveries to include scenarios where the livery owner transports the vessel to a waterbody and operates it, or where the livery owner's agent operates it.

REQUIREMENT

Updated requirements for launching or operating vessels to specify that exemptions apply only if the vessel is used in non-infested waters, facilities, or water supply systems.

Added a new exemption for boat liveries if the conveyance is not transported on a highway after being rented or leased before use.

Clarified that persons operating vessels under specific livery exemptions must have completed the aquatic invasive species education course.

Enrolled → Amended Excerpts 2/19/2026 13:02:875 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's invasive mussel laws by clarifying exemptions for nonmotorized vessels, adding specific rules for boat livery operators, and modernizing water rights and geological survey provisions. It also changes the terminology for bison and removes outdated tax credit programs.

Scope change

The bill expands exemptions for nonmotorized vessels and inflatable motorboats, requiring them to be in non-infested waters to avoid fees. It also adds new requirements for boat livery operators regarding decontamination and education courses.

ELIGIBILITY

Exemptions for nonmotorized vessels and inflatable motorboats now require the vessel to be launched or operated in a geographic region that is not infested with invasive mussels.

REQUIREMENT

New rules were added for boat livery owners, including specific exemptions based on how the vessel is transported and who operates it, as well as requirements to provide proof of education course completion.

Records kept by the Division of Water Rights can now be maintained in either physical or electronic form.

The Utah Geological Survey Board was restructured to include a new member representing public interests and adjusted the qualifications for existing members.

Overtime policies for state employees were updated to clarify work periods for law enforcement employees within the Department of Natural Resources.

DEFINITION

The term 'buffalo' was changed to 'bison' in several sections related to state parks and wildlife management.

FISCAL

The Alternative Energy Development Tax Credit Act was repealed, removing the associated tax credit program.

ENFORCEMENT

New enforcement mechanisms were added for secondary water suppliers who fail to install meters or comply with tiered conservation billing rates.

Introduced → Enrolled · 7 edits · Mar 25, 2026

MODERATE

This bill significantly expands Utah's aquatic invasive species laws by adding new definitions for invasive mussels, creating a new section for boat livery responsibilities, and clarifying exemptions for government agencies and nonmotorized vessels. It also broadens the bill's scope to include various Department of Natural Resources administrative updates, such as allowing water rights records to be kept electronically and changing the term 'buffalo' to 'bison'.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from focusing solely on aquatic invasive species to include a wide range of Department of Natural Resources administrative updates, including water rights recordkeeping, geological survey board composition, and funding sources for specific initiatives.

DEFINITION

Added specific definitions for 'invasive mussel' (including zebra, quagga, and golden mussels) and 'conveyance' to clarify what items must be decontaminated.

REQUIREMENT

Enacted a new section (23A-10-306) that imposes strict duties on boat livery owners, requiring them to ensure renters complete education courses and maintain accurate decontamination records.

Exempted owners of nonmotorized vessels and inflatable motorboats from fees and decals if they operate only in non-infested waters.

ELIGIBILITY

Clarified that government agencies are exempt from fees if the vessel is used within the scope of their official duties.

TECHNICAL

Updated recordkeeping rules for the Division of Water Rights to allow records to be maintained in either physical or electronic form.

Changed the term 'buffalo' to 'bison' in specific contexts within the Utah Geological Survey sections.

FISCAL

Repealed the section specifying funding sources for the Watershed Restoration Initiative.

Department of Natural Resources Related Modifications Amendments

What changed between versions

How they voted

Actions timeline

Sponsors