Transportation

HB 191 amends Utah's airport definitions to explicitly include "flight parks" - areas used for hang gliding or similar nonmotorized aircraft that are FAA-recognized and publicly owned. This change ensures flight parks receive the same land use protections as traditional airports, including a 1,000-foot "influence area" buffer (compared to 500 feet for vertiports) and requirements for local governments to adopt airport overlay zones. The bill mandates that cities/counties within these areas must enforce noise notifications, conform development to FAA airspace rules, and may require avigation easements for new construction. It applies directly to flight parks (like public hang gliding sites) and local zoning authorities, with a delayed deadline (2026) for flight parks versus regular airports (2024). No funding is appropriated, and the bill focuses solely on clarifying regulatory treatment.

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.