Sen. Derrin Owens

Maddy summaryHB 288 requires Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources offices to provide voter registration forms and information to customers purchasing hunting or fishing licenses in person or online. It also mandates the lieutenant governor to regularly update the statewide voter database with weekly data from driver's licenses and weekly death records, and monthly data on incarcerated voters. The bill establishes specific procedures for the lieutenant governor to monitor database accuracy, including monthly checks for duplicate registrations, address anomalies, and voter eligibility issues. These changes directly affect hunters, anglers, and the state's election administration processes without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 326 allows ranchers and farmers to obtain aerial hunting permits for coyotes to protect livestock and crops, directly affecting agricultural producers. The bill establishes that permit holders assume full liability for accidents during aerial hunts, modifies annual predator control fees for livestock owners, and updates definitions related to wildlife damage. It also increases penalties for feral swine violations and adds provisions for seizing vehicles used in such crimes. The changes aim to streamline wildlife damage prevention without new state funding, updating existing Utah Code sections.

Maddy summaryHB 49 requires the salary ranges and pay progression for law enforcement officers in Utah's Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to match those of peace officers in the Department of Public Safety, with similar experience and qualifications. This directly affects DNR law enforcement officers, ensuring their compensation aligns with comparable state law enforcement roles. The bill includes an exception allowing DNR leadership (majors and division directors) to have lower salary ranges than other division directors within the department. It makes technical updates to Utah Code Section 63A-17-110 and takes effect on May 6, 2026, with no new funding required.

Maddy summaryHB 64 creates a formal process for counties to nominate culturally or scientifically significant sites on Utah's school and institutional trust lands for preservation. It requires counties to submit detailed nominations - including maps, evidence of significance, public input, and preservation plans - within 24 months of receiving notice from the trust lands administration. The director must review nominations within 180 days, approve those meeting strict criteria (like limiting sites to 640 acres or excluding mineral resources), and maintain a public list of approved sites. This bill directly affects counties with trust lands and the administration, establishing clear procedures without new funding or altering existing historic preservation laws.

Maddy summaryHB 93 creates the Goshen Bay Waterfowl Management Area on state-owned lands near the Great Salt Lake, designated for conservation and public use. The bill authorizes the Wildlife Board to manage this area to protect waterfowl and other wildlife habitat, enhance wetland ecosystems, and provide recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It directly affects the Wildlife Board (which will manage the area) and the public who access the site for outdoor activities. The bill makes technical updates to existing Utah law (23A-6-403 and 23A-12-301) to formally establish the area without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 99 exempts corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses from Utah's sales and use tax by reclassifying them as "prosthetic devices" under existing tax law. This change directly affects consumers purchasing these items, removing a tax burden that previously applied. The bill amends Utah Code Section 59-12-102 to include eyewear in the definition of prosthetic devices, which already qualify for tax exemption. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment, with no additional state funding required.

Maddy summaryHB 12 amends Utah's definition of "recreational infrastructure project" to explicitly include trail/facility improvements and equipment acquisitions that enhance access for disabled or adaptive users. This change directly affects state parks, outdoor recreation projects, and grant applicants seeking funding under existing infrastructure programs. The key mechanism expands eligibility for infrastructure grants by adding specific language to the definition, ensuring accessibility upgrades qualify for funding. The bill makes no new funding commitments but clarifies what projects can be supported through current grant processes. It takes effect May 6, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1005 allows local governments in Utah (like counties or cities) to impose a new sales tax specifically to fund emergency services, such as fire and ambulance response. It sets requirements for this tax based on the rate imposed and repeals an existing tax that previously funded rural health care facilities for emergency medical services. The bill also clarifies how tax revenue will be administered, collected, and distributed, including allowing the State Tax Commission to keep a small administrative fee. No new state funds are appropriated, and the changes primarily affect local revenue options for emergency service funding.

Maddy summaryHB 483 modifies Utah's School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration by requiring the director to complete a full valuation of the land portfolio every five years (previously a 10% annual estimate) and submit annual reports to the Legislature. These reports must include financial statements, land valuation details, and funds distributed to beneficiary schools and institutions. The bill also updates rules for illegal activities on trust lands and clarifies when the state may sell lands under lease or permit. It makes no new funding changes and primarily affects the administration's reporting and land management procedures.

Maddy summarySB 34 directs Utah's Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining to study surety requirements for mineral operations, which affects mining companies required to provide financial guarantees for reclamation. The study examines specific aspects like acceptable surety forms (bonds, cash, collateral), appropriate amounts, coordination with other entities, and options like state surety pools or insurance. The division must report findings and legislative recommendations to the Natural Resources committee by October 2025. This study bill has no immediate policy changes, with its provisions set to expire July 1, 2026.