Bill > HB0030

This bill establishes a new "Wildlife Management Area Stewardship Fund" to support habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and volunteer coordination within wildlife management areas, funded by legislative appropriations, interest earnings, and voluntary contributions. It also revises access requirements for these areas, mandating that individuals aged 18 and older obtain a "digital access permit" by completing an educational video, or hold a hunting/fishing license, or have other specific permissions, with phased implementation starting in July 2026 and expanding statewide by July 2028. Exceptions to these access requirements include traveling on certain roads or highways that cross wildlife management areas, participating in educational programs, visiting visitor centers, and specific circumstances like recovering livestock, with provisions for voluntary monetary contributions that can be used for specific areas or general wildlife management, and the option for individuals to receive a fishing license for a year if their contribution meets a certain amount.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0030.html