USAC Update on HB386
An update on H.B. 386 from the Utah Stream Access Coalition. H.B. 386 UPDATE - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025 We Still Need Your Help To Kill This Bill! Today, 14 days remain in the 2025 General Session of the Utah Legislature, and H.B. 386 - Public Waters Access Act Amendments (i.e., HB386) remains with the House Rules Committee (HRC). This is encouraging news since the HRC acts something like an airline fleet manager for House bills - deciding which ones get to take off and head to a standing committee for consideration, debate, and an up/down vote of recommendation to send the bill to the full House of Representatives - and which ones stay grounded in the HRC "hanger." Bills that remain with the HRC through the end of the General Session die there. Although USAC has learned that many influential Representatives agree this bill needs to stay grounded with the HRC and not be released to the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee (HNRAEC), we need to reinforce that sentiment because unpopular bills are often launched towards the end of the General Session, when things get super busy and the horse-trading begins. If you've already reached out to your own Representative and Senator (found HERE) and/or to Members of the House and Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committees, thank you - YOU WERE HEARD! (A state Senator whose district includes parts of Daggett, Duchesne, Summit, Uintah, and Wasatch Counties confirmed as much following last Monday's Fishing Day on the Hill.) If you haven't reached out to these key Legislators, PLEASE DO, it's not too late. Why? If you enjoy recreating on Utah's larger rivers like the Provo, Weber, Ogden, and Logan, it's really important that YOU let YOUR elected officials know that you are concerned about the continued loss of public access to Utah's navigable waterways. Meanwhile, we need your help this week to ensure that HB386 stays 'grounded in the hanger' (i.e., is not released by the HRC to the HNRAEC). How? By writing emails, calling, or texting all seven members of the HRC (listed below) and asking them to NOT release HB386 to the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee. When you write, call, or text, please consider saying something like this: For the full details of why USAC opposes HB386, please read the one-page handout, "REASONS TO REJECT H.B. 386." Please mention HB386 in the subject line by saying something like: "Please do NOT release HB386 from the House Rules Committee!" Don't forget to include your full name and address in your signature line so they know it's a real person writing them. And don't forget to THANK THEM for considering your request. Here are the seven members of the House Rules Committee for you to contact: Rep. Jordan D. Teuscher (R), Chair 801-810-6170 Rep. Karen M. Peterson (R), Vice Chair 385-285-6790 Rep. Jefferson S. Burton (R) 385-225-0575 Rep. Sandra Hollins (D) 801-363-4257 Rep. Trevor Lee (R) 801-721-7896 Rep. Ashlee Matthews (D) 385-264-2024 Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox (R) 385-600-3306 jteuscher@le.utah.gov, kpeters Together, we will KILL THIS BILL that seeks to restrict further your right to access and recreate on Utah's navigable waterways. Thank you for helping us stop HB386 from becoming law! The Board of Directors Utah Stream Access Coalition
USAC Update on HB386
We Still Need Your Help To Kill This Bill!
Until the Utah Legislature establishes a formal process for properly reviewing the navigability of our major waterways (like the Provo River, Ogden River, Logan River, etc.), HB386 should NOT be considered by any standing committee because it will only add to existing confusion about the legal concept of navigability.