All Roll Calls
Yes: 208 • No: 1
UtahH.B. 1252026 General SessionHouseWALLET
Department of Natural Resources Related Modifications Amendments
Sponsored By: Rex P. Shipp (Republican)
Signed by Governor
BoatingEnvironmentNatural ResourcesDepartment of Natural ResourcesWildlifeWater RightsTransportationState EngineerWater
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
20 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 7 costs, 3 mixed.
New filings for mineral recovery diversions
Starting May 6, 2026, diversion applications that plan to recover salts or other minerals must file any royalty contracts and mineral leases with the state engineer before approval. If a linked royalty contract or mineral lease ends or is noncompliant and has a reversion term, the state engineer must undo the approval or mark the water right in default.
DNR can fund state water lawsuits
The Department of Natural Resources can pay legal costs for cases about the state’s water interests. This covers conservation, water rights, and water‑resource development matters.
Stronger statewide invasive mussel response
The law broadens “invasive mussel” to include more species, like zebra and golden mussels. The Wildlife Board can set decontamination, inspection, closure, and port‑of‑entry rules. The state must keep a statewide emergency response plan and use it when invasive species are detected.
Some outdoor-related tax credits repealed
Starting May 6, 2026, the law repeals several sections, including those that created certain tax credits and funding authorities related to natural resources. People or groups that used those credits or funds lose that support.
Stricter rules for boat rental businesses
Boat liveries must keep honest decontamination records, pay the invasive species fee, and display decals. Before each rental, you must confirm the renter finished the aquatic invasive species course unless an exemption applies. Starting May 6, 2026, you must keep rental records for at least one year and equip boats as the law requires. Breaking these rules is a class B misdemeanor.
Help for expiring fixed-time water rights
Starting May 6, 2026, the state engineer sends notice at least 60 days before a fixed‑time water right expires. You can ask for an extension if the main purpose is still unmet, you are not at fault, water is still available, and you file in writing by the expiration date. Any extension lasts only as long as needed to meet the main purpose.
State engineer records open to public
Many state engineer records are public. You can buy certified copies at a reasonable cost, and they have the same legal effect as originals. Original files stay with the state engineer.
More duties for Utah Geological Survey
Starting May 6, 2026, the survey helps agencies measure and report groundwater, surface water, and wetlands. It collects certain land‑use permits and serves as a geologic data repository. The board grows to eight expert members. The survey’s restricted account can carry funds over year‑to‑year.
New natural resources law enforcement division
Starting May 6, 2026, the Department of Natural Resources creates a Division of Law Enforcement. It enforces wildlife, boating, off‑highway, and other natural‑resources laws and works with local police and sheriffs.
New State Parks account and bison funds
Starting May 6, 2026, the state creates a State Parks Restricted Account for certain park revenues. Interest is phased in: 25% in FY2025‑26, 50% in FY2026‑27, 75% in FY2027‑28, and 100% on July 1, 2028. The first $75,000 from Antelope Island bison sales funds herd management; the rest goes to the new account.
State help for local water planning
Starting May 6, 2026, the Division of Water Resources must help local governments that ask for it. The help supports adding a water use and preservation element to local general plans. The division may seek input from watershed councils.
Volunteer cultural site stewardship program
The state creates a Cultural Site Stewardship Program. The office may hire a manager, train and certify volunteers, work with landowners, and accept grants. Volunteers help monitor sites but are not paid.
Water changes don’t grant property access
Starting May 6, 2026, approval of a water change does not give anyone the right to cross private land. A change approval does not create an access easement over your property.
Annual boat fee and required decal
Boat owners pay an annual aquatic invasive species fee. It is $20 for Utah‑registered boats and $25 for nonresident boats used in Utah. The division gives you a decal when you pay. You must place it on the port bow, six inches behind the registration decal.
Extra approvals for some water changes
Starting May 6, 2026, you must get a division director’s approval before filing a fixed‑time or temporary change application. If the change would deliver water to a Colorado River System reservoir, you also must get approval from the Colorado River Authority’s executive director.
No unappropriated water for instream use
Starting May 6, 2026, people may not claim unappropriated water for instream flows or for use on sovereign lands under the general appropriation statute.
Unused rights face seven-year presumption
Starting May 6, 2026, if part of a water right is not diverted or used for seven straight years, the law presumes that portion is impaired unless an exception applies. The state engineer considers this issue only if a timely protest names the right, or if the engineer sends written notice within 90 days. If you get notice and do not protest in time, you cannot become a party.
Overtime rules apply to DNR employees
State overtime rules now apply to Department of Natural Resources employees. This can change how overtime hours are counted or paid, based on role.
Instream flow changes: options and limits
Starting May 6, 2026, certain state divisions and water users can file change applications for instream flows or use on sovereign lands. The state engineer approves only if the change helps wildlife, park management, or protects or improves the aquatic environment. Divisions may use owned, donated, leased, or legislatively funded rights (not eminent domain). Applications must include a legal description and any studies the engineer requires.
New limits on using 'saved water'
Starting May 6, 2026, the state engineer can require measurement, reporting, and proof of any “saved water,” and may limit later use to the true net decrease in depletion. In some cases, later use may be limited to nonconsumptive uses. The law also bars cutting the approved diversion rate just to reflect depletion differences, unless an application is quantifying saved water.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Rex P. Shipp
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Carl R. Albrecht
Republican • House
Stewart E. Barlow
Republican • House
Kay J. Christofferson
Republican • House
Leah Hansen
Republican • House
David P. Hinkins
Republican • Senate
Ken Ivory
Republican • House
Jill Koford
Republican • House
Mike L. Kohler
Republican • House
Jason B. Kyle
Republican • House
Trevor Lee
Republican • House
Clinton Okerlund
Republican • House
Michael J. Petersen
Republican • House
Thomas W. Peterson
Republican • House
Troy Shelley
Republican • House
Christine F. Watkins
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 24 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House Conference Committee - Final Passage
Yes: 66 • No: 1
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate Conference Committee - Final Passage
Yes: 29 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate Motion to Adopt Joint Conference Comm Rpt
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ refuse to concur with Senate amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ refused to recede from Senate amendments
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House Motion to Adopt Joint Conference Comm Rpt
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/3/2026
Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
House vote • 3/3/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
House vote • 2/25/2026
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/25/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 65 • No: 0
House vote • 2/24/2026
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/19/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
House vote • 2/19/2026
House Comm - Amendment Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/25/2026House/ to Governor
3/16/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/16/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/12/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/12/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/11/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/11/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/11/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/11/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/10/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
3/10/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/10/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse Conference Committee - Final Passage
3/6/2026House Motion to Adopt Joint Conference Comm Rpt
3/6/2026House/ received from Senate
3/6/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate Conference Committee - Final Passage
3/6/2026Senate Motion to Adopt Joint Conference Comm Rpt
3/6/2026Senate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateConference Committee Report
3/6/2026Bill Substituted by Conference Committee
3/6/2026House/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse Conference Committee Appointed
3/6/2026House/ received from Senate
3/6/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/12/2026
Substitute #2
3/6/2026
Substitute #3
3/6/2026
Substitute #1
3/3/2026
Amended 2/19/2026 13:02:875
2/19/2026
Introduced
1/2/2026
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