SCR 4 is a Utah concurrent resolution supporting the state's effort to formalize a cooperative agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to streamline permitting for oil, gas, and mining operations on BLM lands. It urges the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining to negotiate an MOA that would allow the state to review technical aspects of permit applications - like drilling plans - while ensuring the BLM retains final decision-making authority. The resolution aims to reduce permitting delays and save BLM staff time by leveraging Utah’s local expertise in geology and resource management. This affects oil, gas, and mining operators seeking permits on federal lands, as well as Utah’s state agencies and the BLM.
HB 328 prohibits the use of overhead spray irrigation for nonfunctional turf (aesthetic turf not used for sports, recreation, or active community purposes) in new or redeveloped projects on specified land within the Great Salt Lake drainage area, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to property owners and developers of commercial, industrial, institutional, or multifamily projects in this region, excluding agricultural land, single-family homes, schools, and government properties. Municipalities must include warnings about the prohibition in land use permits and may inspect projects for compliance. The bill defines key terms like "nonfunctional turf" and "specified land" to clarify which developments and landscapes are affected.
HB 157 amends various Utah laws related to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It changes how the DNR handles employee work periods, allows water rights records to be kept electronically or physically, and adjusts rules for water rights after contract issues. The bill removes a cap on low-interest loans for water metering, ends the Alternative Energy Development Tax Credit Act, and repeals funding rules for a watershed program. It appropriates $5 million from the General Fund for DNR operations in fiscal year 2027. The changes primarily affect DNR staff, water rights holders, and entities managing water resources in Utah.
HB 263 requires a registration fee for heavy duty vehicles (over 14,000 pounds gross weight) with a 2009 or older model year, excluding farm tractors and trucks. The fee revenue must be deposited into Utah's Environmental Mitigation and Response Fund. This bill updates vehicle registration codes to establish the fee and directs its funding source, with no new money appropriated. It directly affects owners of older heavy commercial vehicles registered in Utah.
SB 176 requires Utah state agencies to purchase electric-powered landscape maintenance equipment when replacing old gasoline-powered equipment for routine outdoor care (like mowing or trimming) on state government grounds. It applies specifically to properties in counties classified as first or second class with less than 50,000 square feet of maintained grounds. Exceptions allow exemptions if electric equipment is impractical due to terrain features or during emergencies. The law takes effect on May 6, 2026, and does not appropriate new funding.
HB 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.
HB 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.
HB 19 requires community water systems serving 3,300 or more people to create and update emergency response plans by December 2026 (with annual updates), while smaller systems must do so by July 2027. It mandates that any security breach threatening water quality or supply must be reported to the Utah Cyber Center within two hours. The bill also requires the Division of Drinking Water to annually report on security practices to legislative committees and classifies emergency response plans as protected records. These provisions aim to strengthen cybersecurity and emergency preparedness at drinking water facilities across Utah.
HB 66 extends the repeal date for Utah's Soil Health Program from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036. This amendment directly affects the program itself, which supports agricultural practices that improve soil quality and sustainability for Utah farmers and ranchers. The bill changes Section 63I-1-204 of Utah Code to delay the program's termination by 10 years. No new funding is appropriated, and the change only modifies the program's scheduled end date without altering its current structure or operations. The bill passed unanimously and takes effect May 6, 2026.
HCR 1 is a non-binding resolution expressing Utah's support for the advanced nuclear manufacturing industry and declaring the state's desire to host such manufacturing. It commits Utah to helping technology companies address safety challenges in nuclear manufacturing, transportation, and waste management, while welcoming innovative nuclear firms to the state. The resolution does not create new laws, appropriate funds, or directly affect specific entities, but signals legislative backing for the industry's development.
