All Roll Calls
Yes: 136 • No: 14
UtahH.B. 302026 General SessionHouseWALLET
Wildlife Management Area Amendments
Sponsored By: David Shallenberger (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Natural ResourcesDepartment of Natural ResourcesWildlifeFishingHuntingOutdoor RecreationNew Rulemaking Authority
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Donations give permit holders fishing access
Beginning July 1, 2026, digital access permit holders can obtain fishing authorization through a wildlife area donation. The donation must equal or exceed the fishing-license fee set by the Wildlife Board. The division must treat that donation as a fishing-license purchase for 365 days from the contribution date. During that period, the donor can fish statewide using the digital access permit. The law does not state the fee amount or provide a discount.
New fund supports wildlife habitat and trails
Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah creates the Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund for habitat protection, restoration, trails, and volunteer support. It receives voluntary donations, legislative appropriations, and investment earnings; the law sets no funding amount. Donors can give any amount for wildlife areas generally or name a specific area. Donations naming an area must support it unless its designated donations total less than $1,000 in a fiscal year. Below that threshold, the division may redirect those donations to any wildlife management area. The division keeps contribution records, and the State Treasurer invests the fund under state money-management rules. By October 1 each year, the division must report fund use to the legislative natural resources appropriations subcommittee.
New entry rules for wildlife area visitors
Adults 18 or older need authorization to enter restricted parts of Utah wildlife management areas. The rule covers first- and second-class counties from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. It covers first- through fourth-class counties from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028, and applies statewide beginning July 1, 2028. Entry options include a digital access permit, division permission or contract, or a property right allowing access. A hunting, fishing, or combination license also qualifies when that activity requires a license elsewhere. Digital permit holders must complete an approved educational video and acknowledge seasonal limits and conservation closures. Permit fees are not set in the law; households may face costs under adopted fee rules. Users still need credentials required for their activity elsewhere. An exemption from an activity license does not itself remove the digital permit requirement. Entry exceptions cover roads crossing an area, trails beginning and ending outside it, educational programs, and education or visitor centers. Limited director exemptions and access to recover livestock from adjacent grazing land also remain available. The division may temporarily close highway portions entering or crossing an area to benefit wildlife. The Wildlife Board sets implementing rules, and the division reports new rules at the legislative natural resources committee's next regular meeting.
Wildlife volunteers gain opportunities but face waivers
Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah's wildlife division may create a volunteer program to maintain wildlife management areas. Volunteers may receive recognition through signs or another form. The division may require an application and may provide liability coverage or require a signed release and liability waiver. It may appoint a program manager and partner with public or private groups, with program rules set by the Wildlife Board. The law does not require the program to be created or set a funding amount.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
David Shallenberger
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Keven J. Stratton
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 28 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/18/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 20 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/12/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 2/3/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 58 • No: 11
House vote • 1/23/2026
House Comm - Amendment Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
House vote • 1/23/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 1
House vote • 1/23/2026
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/25/2026House/ to Governor
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/6/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/5/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ 3nd Reading Calendar to Rules
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 3rd Reading Calendar table
2/18/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/18/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/18/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
2/18/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
2/17/2026SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
2/17/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/12/2026Senate/ to standing committee
2/5/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/4/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/3/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/3/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Amended 1/26/2026 10:01:914
1/26/2026
Substitute #1
1/21/2026
Introduced
12/5/2025