HB 431 creates a dedicated Wildlife Crossing Account funded through voluntary $1 contributions when Utah residents apply for vehicle registration or purchase hunting, fishing, or other licenses. The bill directs the Department of Transportation, with input from wildlife officials, to prioritize projects that improve wildlife safety (like animal crossings over roads) and protect livestock. It does not appropriate new state funds but instead uses existing voluntary contributions and allocates a portion of sales tax revenue to the account. The account will support projects designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and enhance habitat connectivity across Utah.
SB 144 increases the maximum direct financial assistance available to displaced farms, nonprofits, and businesses under Utah's Relocation Assistance Act from $50,000 to $75,000. It requires the Utah Department of Transportation to annually adjust this $75,000 cap for inflation starting July 1, 2027, calculating and publishing the updated amount each year. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation to share this inflation-adjusted figure with the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman. These changes apply to individuals or entities displaced by state agency property acquisitions, ensuring assistance levels keep pace with rising costs.
HB 561 updates Utah's vehicle laws to clarify that mini-motorcycles are legally treated the same as motorcycles. This means minors riding mini-motorcycles must now follow the same rules as motorcycle riders, including needing proper driver licenses, registration, and insurance. The bill also adds provisions allowing law enforcement to impound motorcycles involved in certain traffic violations. These changes directly affect minor riders of mini-motorcycles and impact how law enforcement handles related traffic offenses.
HB 375 modifies Utah's Outdoor Adventure Infrastructure Restricted Account to allow up to 2% of funds to cover administrative costs, which were previously restricted. The bill does not appropriate new money but clarifies that existing funds - collected from specific deposits - can now support account management. It maintains the existing distribution rules, requiring at least 15% to state parks, 22% to competitive recreation grants, 53% to larger infrastructure projects, and 10% to the Utah Fairpark district. This change directly affects state agencies managing recreation infrastructure funds, such as the Division of State Parks and Division of Outdoor Recreation. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 120 prohibits operating a vehicle with a cargo carrier (including hitch-mounted racks, bicycle racks, cargo trays, or baskets) that blocks the tail light unless red auxiliary lighting or reflectors meeting visibility standards are installed. Drivers must attach these to the carrier, ensure lights activate with brake lights, and be visible from 500 feet to the rear. Violations carry fines up to $100 for a first offense and $200 for repeat offenses within three years. This directly affects drivers using cargo-carrying equipment on Utah roads.
HB 47 requires all vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance *while operating* a vehicle on Utah highways (not just when registered). This directly affects all drivers, including nonresidents who stay in Utah over 90 days, who must meet Utah's insurance requirements during their stay. The bill amends Utah Code Section 41-12a-301 to clarify that insurance must be active whenever a vehicle is driven on public roads, with exceptions for off-highway vehicles, e-bikes, scooters, and school buses under specific conditions. It does not appropriate funds or change existing registration fees. The key change shifts the requirement from registration to active operation.
