UtahH.B. 5362026 General SessionHouse

Criminal Conduct on Public Lands Amendments

Sponsored By: Stewart E. Barlow (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Public Funds and AccountsNatural ResourcesPublic LandsCrimesLaw Enforcement and Criminal JusticeRestitution

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger penalties for public lands and antiquities

Beginning May 6, 2026, the law expands what counts as damage on public lands. It covers natural features, archaeological features, and state-owned objects on state or federal lands kept mostly natural. A first offense is a class B misdemeanor; a repeat offense becomes a class A misdemeanor. Courts can fine up to the full repair cost for land damage. For antiquities, courts can fine up to the item’s value plus repair costs. Courts can order restitution and deposit it into the Public Lands Restoration and Protection Fund. Courts must also order community service: 100 hours (finish in 90 days) for a first conviction, 200 hours (finish in 180 days) for a second, and 300 hours (finish in 270 days) for a third or more. Service cannot be scheduled during your school or work time and should help public lands. If you remove your own graffiti at your expense, with the owner’s consent, you get credit against fines or restitution.

New fund to restore public lands

Beginning May 6, 2026, the state creates the Public Lands Restoration and Protection Fund. It gets money from court-ordered restitution for public lands and antiquities crimes, legislative appropriations, and any interest earned. The historic preservation office runs the fund. The fund can pay for repairs, remediation, education, training, signs, and site monitoring. Money from a specific offender is used first to fix the harm that person caused.

Public cemetery records and grants

Beginning May 6, 2026, the state keeps a public electronic record of every cemetery and burial location. The office can give matching grants to city and nonprofit cemetery groups to maintain, repair, and landscape cemeteries, graves, and tombstones. The office may use volunteers and must set rules to ensure projects are cost‑effective and meet professional standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Stewart E. Barlow
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Don L. Ipson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 183 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 23 • No: 1

House vote • 3/6/2026

House/ concurs with Senate amendment

Yes: 66 • No: 1

House vote • 3/3/2026

Senate Comm - Amendment Recommendation

Yes: 4 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 4 • No: 0

House vote • 2/26/2026

House/ substituted

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 2/26/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 68 • No: 0

House vote • 2/23/2026

House Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 9 • No: 0