Criminal Conduct on Public Lands Amendments
HB 536 amends Utah laws to protect public lands and cultural sites by increasing penalties for damaging them. It specifically targets graffiti on natural and archaeological features and alters penalties for harming antiquities. The bill creates a "Public Lands Restoration and Protection Fund" managed by the State Historic Preservation Office, requiring courts to direct restitution from offenders to this fund for violations like graffiti damage or antiquities destruction on state lands. Funds will be used for site restoration, public education about protection laws, and anti-vandalism efforts.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Feb 11, 2026
Signed Mar 25, 2026
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What changed between versions
Substitute #1
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Substitute #2
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4 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends Utah laws regarding criminal conduct on public lands by expanding the definition of protected features to include natural formations like hoodoos and caves, not just archaeological sites. It creates a new Public Lands Restoration and Protection Fund to pay for repairs and education using fines and restitution. The bill also increases penalties for repeat offenders and allows courts to order community service for graffiti violations.
Scope change
The scope of protected features was expanded from archaeological sites to include natural geological features such as hoodoos, caves, and rock formations.
DEFINITION
Added definitions for 'archaeological feature' and 'natural feature' to clarify that natural rock formations are protected under the law.
FISCAL
Created the Public Lands Restoration and Protection Fund to receive fines and restitution for use in restoring damaged public lands and cultural sites.
ENFORCEMENT
Mandated community service hours for graffiti convictions and increased the felony threshold for antiquities crimes to include a second violation or damages exceeding $500.
REQUIREMENT
Added duties for the State Historic Preservation Office to maintain an inventory of cemeteries and provide matching grants for cemetery maintenance.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 6, 2026 · House Mar 6, 2026
How they voted
23–1
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 29
Mar 6, 2026
D
Democratic6
83% Yea
N
Forward1
100% Yea
R
Republican22
77% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
55
Key actions
10
Committee
5
Amendments
4
Mar 25, 2026
Signed into law
Governor Signed
executive
Mar 7, 2026
Lower · Passed
House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
lower
Mar 7, 2026
Lower · Passed
Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House
lower
Mar 6, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (23-1-5)
senate
Mar 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
House/ concurs with Senate amendment
upper
Mar 6, 2026
Introduced
Senate/ to House with amendments
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate/ comm rpt/ amended [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced
Senate Comm - Amendment Recommendation [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Committee
Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Introduced
Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
House/ passed 3rd reading
upper
Feb 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
House/ comm rpt/ substituted [House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]
lower
Feb 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]
lower
Feb 20, 2026
Committee
House/ to standing committee [House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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