UtahH.B. 4902025 General SessionHouseWALLET

State Parks Modifications

Sponsored By: Clinton Okerlund (Republican)

Signed by Governor

State LandsNatural ResourcesDivision of State ParksNew Rulemaking Authority

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Riverway grant statute and matching rules repealed

Beginning May 7, 2025, the law repeals the statute covering riverway enhancement grants, matching funds, and related rules. This removes that legal provision for grants and matching requirements. The law does not state grant amounts or identify effects on specific recipients.

Park concession operators face new rules

Beginning May 7, 2025, Utah's parks division can set reasonable lease or rental charges for concessions. This applies in state parks and on division-owned property. The division no longer has to follow the Utah Procurement Code when choosing concession operators. The law sets no charge amount or guaranteed price change for customers.

Long-term park plans and access rules

Beginning May 7, 2025, Utah's parks division must develop a long-term public-use plan, and its director must carry it out. The plan covers buying, protecting, running, maintaining, and developing parks, while considering recreation, historic and scientific resources, and public health. The division can set closures and access limits to protect natural and cultural resources. It must set rules for collecting specified charges and carrying out the veteran access program. Rules must follow Utah's Administrative Rulemaking Act and cannot block livestock transfers on legally designated livestock highways.

Higher golf charge funds park improvements

Beginning May 7, 2025, the nine-hole golf charge rises from 15% to 30% of revenue at three state parks. These are Wasatch Mountain, Palisade, and Green River. The charge is in addition to charges set by Utah's parks division. Money stays at the park where collected for facility upgrades or development, or golf-course operating and maintenance equipment and supplies. The law does not specify whether an individual golfer's price changes.

Park fees support operations and services

Beginning May 7, 2025, Utah's parks division must use revenue it collects to carry out park-law requirements, as far as possible. It can charge for special services, facilities, and outdoor recreation infrastructure, and collect service or regulatory fees. The law sets no revenue target or specific increase in visitor charges. It also repeals the statute on appropriations for boating account expenses, without specifying a dollar amount or ending the account itself.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Clinton Okerlund
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Derrin R. Owens
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 109 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2025

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 2/27/2025

House/ substituted

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 2/27/2025

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 69 • No: 0

House vote • 2/24/2025

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown