Utah's 2014 Legislative Session just ended last week and there were several bills that made it through the process which will help to further along the Transfer of Public Lands.  We are so grateful to all those who work so tirelessly to bring back equality and good management to our public lands.

Sutherland's Center for Self-Governance points out in their great article summarizing these important bills, "The Utah legislature adjourned last week with a nice package of bills to support the state's Transfer of Public Lands initiative. Since they've already passed a bill demanding transfer, the next step is to address what happens to the lands when that transfer occurs."  

HB151: Commission on the Stewardship of Public Lands. Sets up the infrastructure for a lands transfer and for deciding the ultimate status of transferred lands.

HB160: Utah Wilderness Act. Recognizes the importance of protected areas and sets up a process for nominating/approving state wilderness designation.

HB164: Interstate Compact on Transfer of Public Lands. Creates a multi-state vehicle for transferring lands.

HCR13: Concurrent Resolution on Transfer of Public Lands. Resolution supporting TPLA.

In addition, Utah passed several bills advancing self-government principles and challenges:

HB67: Political Subdivision Jurisdiction Amendments. Provides mechanism for local jurisdictions to address immediate and imminent threats (e.g. fire) emanating from federal lands or policies.

HB120: Continuing Education on Federalism. Requires representatives from certain state and local jurisdictions to receive continuing education on state/federal rights and responsibilities.

HB133: Contingent Management of Federal Facilities. Authorizes governor to work with federal agencies to keep federal facilities open in the event of a federal fiscal emergency.

HB149: Amendments to Federal Law Enforcement Limitations. Clarifies jurisdiction and authority in federal enforcement of state and local laws.

HJR21: Joint Resolution on the Sovereign Character of PILT - Payment in Lieu of Taxes. Urges Congress to permanently fund PILT.

  To view the entire article, click here.