All Roll Calls
Yes: 113 • No: 9
UtahH.B. 3092025 General SessionHouseWALLET
Wildlife Amendments
Sponsored By: Casey Snider (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Department of Agriculture and FoodLivestockAnimalsEnvironmentWildlifeHunting
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Livestock owners get qualifying payment multiplier
Beginning May 7, 2025, qualifying bear or mountain lion livestock-damage payments receive a 3-to-1 multiplier. Owners must demonstrate and document loss-prevention practices, including daily livestock contact and use of guardian animals. The multiplier triples the eligible payment before other program limits apply. The dollar increase depends on the underlying eligible claim.
Livestock damage claims face animal-count cap
Beginning May 7, 2025, the wildlife division cannot pay damage claims exceeding the producer’s total animals of that species. The cap limits compensable claims using animal counts, not a stated dollar ceiling. It can reduce payments when claims exceed that limit.
State trappers can address livestock predators
Beginning May 7, 2025, state trappers can take predators damaging livestock at any time while performing assigned duties. They work under Utah Department of Agriculture and Food supervision and must follow procedures approved by the wildlife division. This authority supports predator response for livestock owners; it does not provide a direct payment.
More predator control for big-game herds
Beginning May 7, 2025, the wildlife director must act immediately when a big-game herd falls below its management-unit goal and predators significantly contribute. Tools include state agriculture programs, private contracts, public participation, professional trapping, and aerial predator control. The director can also increase cougar and bear permits and allow properly permitted big-game hunters to take predators during big-game seasons. Bison count as big game under the chapter. The director must report predator-control measures annually to legislative committees.
Adults face wildlife area entry limits
Adults age 18 or older need an authorized basis to enter wildlife management area portions in first- or second-class counties. A valid hunting, fishing, or combination license qualifies, as do division permission, an authorizing contract, or a property right. Visitors also need any separate credential required for their activity, unless a statutory exemption applies. Exceptions cover highway travel, education programs, and visits to education or visitor centers. Wildlife management areas are division-owned or managed lands for wildlife protection, public access, or wildlife-based recreation. The definition excludes walk-in access areas, fish hatcheries, angler access areas, division facilities, and shooting ranges.
Wildlife leaders must meet license rules
Wildlife Board and regional council members generally need three hunting or combination licenses during the five years before nomination. They must also hold a hunting or combination license while serving. The director must remove members lacking the required license history or failing to fix a current-license problem within 15 days after notice. Members serving on May 7, 2025, are exempt until reappointed; regional agriculture representatives selected by the executive director are also exempt. The nominating committee must submit two to four qualified candidates for each Wildlife Board position or vacancy.
Counties allow night hunting with limits
Hunters can hunt nonprotected wildlife from sunset to sunrise with a light-enhancement device where a county ordinance allows it. Devices include spotlights, thermal vision, and night vision; nonprotected species include feral swine, striped skunks, and red foxes. Hunters cannot use vehicle headlights or vehicle-powered lights to locate wildlife, or occupy or operate a vehicle while using the device. Counties can set seasons, hours, areas, safety zones, weapons, penalties, permit limits, sheriff-notification requirements, and permit fees. Permit revenue goes to the Wildlife Resources Account, with county retention allowed for administration and enforcement without jeopardizing federal restoration funding. The ordinance requirement exempts lawful crop or domestic-animal protection and animal damage control agents working under division agreements.
Residency rules shape hunters’ license eligibility
Utah resident hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses generally require six consecutive months of Utah domicile before applying or buying. Applicants cannot claim hunting, fishing, or trapping residency elsewhere. These rules provide access to resident license terms but exclude applicants who lack the required residency. Buying another state’s or country’s resident license invalidates a Utah resident license. Paying Utah property taxes alone does not qualify an absentee landowner.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Casey Snider
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Michael K. McKell
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/5/2025
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 25 • No: 2
Senate vote • 3/4/2025
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
House vote • 2/26/2025
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 63 • No: 6
House vote • 2/26/2025
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/25/2025
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/20/2025
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 11 • No: 0
House vote • 2/20/2025
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 10 • No: 1
House vote • Unknown
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/24/2025House/ to Governor
3/12/2025HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2025HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/7/2025HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/7/2025Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2025Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/6/2025House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/5/2025HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/5/2025HouseSenate/ to House
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
3/5/2025SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
3/4/2025SenateSenate/ to standing committee
2/28/2025SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/27/2025SenateSenate/ received from House
2/26/2025SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/26/2025HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/26/2025HouseHouse/ uncircled
2/26/2025HouseHouse/ circled
2/25/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/7/2025
Substitute #2
2/19/2025
Substitute #1
2/6/2025
Introduced
1/23/2025