SB 130: River Restoration Amendments - Utah

Amended 2/4/2026 09:02:925 → Substitute #1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill substitutes the original text with a revised version that broadens the scope of Jordan River improvement projects from a specific 'zone' to the entire river length, simplifies the approval process by removing the need for separate approvals for different activities, and clarifies the matching grant program. The changes matter because they allow the state to fund recreational access improvements along the full river rather than just a limited area, while reducing bureaucratic hurdles for the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from funding projects only within a defined 'zone' (SR-201 to 5400 South) to funding activities along the entire length of the Jordan River.

SCOPE

The definition of the project area was changed from a specific 'zone' between SR-201 and 5400 South to the entire length of the Jordan River.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement for the Division to receive separate approvals for different types of activities was removed; the Division now only needs to consult with the Jordan River Commission before expending money for any activity.

DEFINITION

The specific definition of the 'zone' (250 yards on each side of the river between SR-201 and 5400 South) was removed as the scope now covers the entire river.

TECHNICAL

Formatting and structural changes were made to streamline the statute, including removing redundant definitions and consolidating the list of allowable expenditures.

Amended Excerpts 2/4/2026 09:02:925 → Amended 2/4/2026 09:02:925 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was reorganized from a list of specific line edits into a complete, formal substitute bill structure. The substantive policy changes expand the Division of Forestry's authority to fund projects along the entire length of the Jordan River rather than a specific zone, and it creates a new matching grant program for counties, municipalities, or the Jordan River Commission to fund recreational access improvements.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a limited 'zone' (250 yards on each side between SR-201 and 5400 South) to cover the entire length of the Jordan River for safety, recreation, and conservation projects.

SCOPE

Funding eligibility was broadened to include the entire length of the Jordan River instead of a specific 250-yard zone on each side.

FISCAL

A new $2,000,000 appropriation was added for fiscal year 2027 to fund a matching grant program.

ELIGIBILITY

New eligibility criteria allow counties, municipalities, or the Jordan River Commission to apply for matching grants to fund improvement projects.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement for the Division to consult with the Jordan River Commission before spending money on improvement projects was retained and clarified within the new structure.

TECHNICAL

The document format was changed from a list of line-by-line edits to a formal bill text with sections, definitions, and a long title.

Enrolled → Amended Excerpts 2/4/2026 09:02:925 · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to clarify that the new matching grant program applies to counties, municipalities, and the Jordan River Commission, and to simplify the requirements for receiving these grants by removing a specific deadline for issuing grants to educational programs.

Scope change

The scope of entities eligible to receive matching grants was explicitly expanded to include municipalities alongside counties and the Commission.

ELIGIBILITY

The list of eligible entities for the new matching grant program was updated to explicitly include 'municipalities' alongside counties and the Jordan River Commission.

REQUIREMENT

A specific requirement for the Division to issue a five-year grant to educational programs by December 31, 2022, was removed, likely because the date has passed.

TECHNICAL

The text was cleaned up to remove redundant phrasing and formatting artifacts from the original draft.

Introduced → Enrolled · 5 edits · Mar 25, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates the Jordan River improvement projects by expanding the scope of activities the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands can fund to cover the entire river length, rather than just a specific zone. It modifies the approval process to require consultation with the Jordan River Commission for all projects and introduces a new matching grant program for counties and municipalities to fund recreational access improvements. The bill also clarifies funding sources and adjusts the effective dates for specific sections.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a limited 'zone' (SR-201 to 5400 South) to the entire length of the Jordan River for certain activities like maintenance, safety, and law enforcement. It also added eligibility for the Jordan River Commission to receive matching grants.

SCOPE

Expanded the division's ability to expend money for safety, recreation, and conservation activities to cover the entire length of the Jordan River, removing the previous geographic limitation to the area between SR-201 and 5400 South.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the approval process so the division must consult with the Jordan River Commission before expending money for any improvement project, whereas previously some activities only required consultation while others required full approval.

FISCAL

Created a new matching grant program allowing counties and municipalities to receive funds for improvement projects that increase recreational access, provided they contribute an equal amount of matching funds.

DEFINITION

Removed the specific definition of the 'zone' as the area between SR-201 and 5400 South, effectively broadening the statutory language to apply to the whole river for new purposes.

TIMELINE

Adjusted the effective dates for the bill, with most provisions taking effect May 6, 2026, and specific changes to Section 51-9-902 taking effect July 1, 2026.

River Restoration Amendments

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