This bill addresses wildlife management areas.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Wildlife management areas in Utah currently require adults to hold a hunting, fishing, or combination license to enter certain wildlife management areas in the state's most populous counties. Starting July 1, 2026, this bill would replace that license requirement with a new system: adults would need either a hunting/fishing license or a free "digital access permit," obtained by watching and completing an online educational video approved by the Division of Wildlife Resources, in order to enter these areas. This requirement would phase in over three years, starting with the largest counties and expanding statewide by 2028, with exceptions for travel on major roads and trails that begin and end outside the area, educational programs, livestock recovery, and other limited circumstances approved by the division. The bill also creates a Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund to collect voluntary donations and legislative funding for habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and volunteer coordination, and allows the division to run a volunteer labor program with liability protections for participants.
Current version: HB0030S01 (Substitute)
Introduction
Jan 20
House Rules
House Committee
Jan 23
House Floor Vote
Feb 3
Senate Rules
Mar 4
Senate Committee
Feb 12
Senate 2nd Reading
Mar 4
Senate 3rd Reading
Mar 4
Governor Signed
Mar 25
IntroductionJan 20
House Rules
House CommitteeJan 23
House Floor VoteFeb 3
Senate RulesMar 4
Senate CommitteeFeb 12
Senate 2nd ReadingMar 4
Senate 3rd ReadingMar 4
Governor SignedMar 25
This bill addresses wildlife management areas.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Wildlife management areas in Utah currently require adults to hold a hunting, fishing, or combination license to enter certain wildlife management areas in the state's most populous counties. Starting July 1, 2026, this bill would replace that license requirement with a new system: adults would need either a hunting/fishing license or a free "digital access permit," obtained by watching and completing an online educational video approved by the Division of Wildlife Resources, in order to enter these areas. This requirement would phase in over three years, starting with the largest counties and expanding statewide by 2028, with exceptions for travel on major roads and trails that begin and end outside the area, educational programs, livestock recovery, and other limited circumstances approved by the division. The bill also creates a Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund to collect voluntary donations and legislative funding for habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and volunteer coordination, and allows the division to run a volunteer labor program with liability protections for participants.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
House/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Clerk of the House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Clerk of the House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Clerk of the House
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM