HB 30: Wildlife Management Area Amendments - Utah

Amended 1/26/2026 10:01:914 → Substitute #1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill introduces a new fund to support wildlife management areas and replaces the previous blanket requirement for a hunting or fishing license with a new digital access permit system. Individuals over 18 will need to complete an educational video to access these areas, with full implementation scheduled for July 2028, though a phased approach begins in 2026. The bill also adds provisions for voluntary donations and volunteer labor programs.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of access regulations by introducing a new digital verification process and creates a specific funding mechanism for wildlife management, shifting from a simple license requirement to a more structured stewardship model.

FISCAL

Created the 'Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund' to finance habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and volunteer support.

REQUIREMENT

Replaced the mandatory hunting/fishing license requirement for adults with a new 'digital access permit' obtained by completing an educational video.

DEFINITION

Defined new terms including 'digital access permit', 'recreational user', and specific road classifications.

TIMELINE

Established a phased implementation schedule starting July 1, 2026, with full statewide application by July 1, 2028.

SCOPE

Authorized the division to accept voluntary financial contributions and oversee volunteer labor programs.

TECHNICAL

Corrected a citation error in Section 23A-6-402 regarding the definition of a highway.

Amended Excerpts 1/26/2026 10:01:914 → Amended 1/26/2026 10:01:914 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill creates a new Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund to support habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and volunteer coordination. It repeals the requirement for individuals to hold a hunting, fishing, or combination license to enter most wildlife management areas, replacing it with a new system requiring completion of an educational video. The bill also establishes a new fund for voluntary contributions and authorizes the division to oversee volunteer labor while addressing liability issues.

Scope change

The bill significantly expands public access to wildlife management areas by removing the mandatory hunting/fishing license requirement for entry, while introducing new educational prerequisites and a dedicated funding mechanism for area stewardship.

FISCAL

Created the Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund to receive contributions, appropriations, and interest earnings for habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and volunteer support.

Authorized voluntary financial contributions to the new stewardship fund to benefit wildlife management areas.

REQUIREMENT

Repealed the requirement that individuals must hold a valid hunting, fishing, or combination license to enter wildlife management areas in first and second class counties.

Established new access conditions requiring individuals to complete an educational video approved by the Division of Wildlife Resources and provide digital verification of completion.

Granted the division authority to oversee volunteer labor for wildlife management areas, including provisions to address liability issues.

Changed the access rules to allow entry without a license if the individual meets the new educational video completion requirement or falls under specific exceptions.

Enrolled → Amended Excerpts 1/26/2026 10:01:914 · 1 edit

MINOR

The bill was amended to change the agency responsible for coordinating the educational video rules from the Division of Technology Services to the State Tax Commission. This shift likely aims to integrate the digital permit system with existing tax collection infrastructure or clarify administrative oversight.

Scope change

The scope of administrative coordination for the new digital access permit program changed from a technology-focused division to a tax commission.

REQUIREMENT

The agency coordinating the creation and delivery of the required educational video and digital access permit changed from the Division of Technology Services to the State Tax Commission.

Introduced → Enrolled · 7 edits · Mar 25, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's wildlife management area laws to create a new stewardship fund, introduce a digital access permit system based on an educational video, and establish a nonrefundable tax credit for donations. It also expands the definition of roads that cross these areas and clarifies rules for volunteer labor and liability.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of access restrictions to include all counties by July 1, 2028, and adds new mechanisms for funding and tax incentives that were not previously in the text.

FISCAL

Created a new 'Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund' to receive voluntary donations, license fees, and interest earnings for habitat restoration and trail maintenance.

Enacted a nonrefundable state tax credit for taxpayers who make voluntary contributions to the Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund.

REQUIREMENT

Established a requirement for individuals 18 and older to complete an educational video and obtain a 'digital access permit' to enter wildlife management areas in certain counties starting in 2026.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'highway or road' to include Class A and Class B state roads, clarifying which roads crossing wildlife areas are subject to new access rules.

ELIGIBILITY

Authorized the Division of Wildlife Resources to accept volunteer labor for maintenance and provide liability coverage or waivers for volunteers.

TIMELINE

Set a phased implementation schedule where access restrictions expand from first/second class counties in 2026 to all counties by July 1, 2028.

MODIFIED

Corrected a citation error in Section 23A-6-402 regarding the definition of a highway, changing the reference from Section 72-1-102 to Section 41-6a-102.

Wildlife Management Area Amendments

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