For well over a year USA-ALL has been aware of a potential bill that, if not worded correctly, will be very harmful to the motorized community.  Most importantly, it could radically impair the ability of the State and its counties to resolve rights of way across public lands. 
 
The bill will be introduced during the upcoming session of the Utah Legislature.  It has been designed by various organizations, including a number of state and federal agencies.  USA-ALL was originally involved in the development process, but backed out because we felt our voice was not being seriously considered.  The main proponents of the bill include sportsmen/conservation organizations such as Utah Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) and Utah Sportsmen for Habitat (SFH).  
 
The intent of the bill is to ensure better compliance with federal travel plans.  At first glance, the idea behind the bill is a good one; we completely agree that people MUST obey the law, and stay on the trail when required.  But as usual, the devil is in the details.  There are several problems buried in the details and we dubious of the motives of those who participated in drafting the bill. 
 
This bill has some merit and we plan to fully engage the issue in the upcoming legislative session.  If the bill were to pass as we saw it last, it would excessively and harshly punish people who are caught off designated routes, establish mandatory fines, and tie the hands of judges in handing down penalties.  It would also allow federal officers to enforce this state law.  We are obviously concerned that overzealous federal officers will abuse their new power.  Additionally, we are concerned that the bill will harm our local counties' ability to establish rights of way because it creates state law that refers to federal travel plans to establish legal routes.  We also disagree with the philosophy that government can beat the public into submission with heavy fines and excessive penalties.  We, however, recognize the need to deter those obstinate few who respond to nothing else.  Notwithstanding, we believe those deterrents should come after or alongside other measures.  Expect a more detailed write-up on the bill once we have analyzed its detail-oriented language.
 
We hope to support the bill; however, it will need to undergo some significant changes before it garners our approval.  Unfortunately, we fear that the groups who drafted it will oppose any such changes. One benefit to making the bill better is the likely sponsor. We are told that Representative Mike Noel, will be the bill's sponsor.  We know Rep. Noel will take our suggestions seriously and do what is best for the public. 
 
We have contacted several legislators and county commissioners to discuss the bill.  We believe we can make this bad bill into a good one, or mount a significant defense to ensure it will not harm the public.  USA-ALL will give all of its members an opportunity to read the bill once it becomes public.  In addition, we will poll our members to survey their position.  Stay tuned.
 
This is just one example of how crucial it is to have a strong presence even at the state level.  Without USA-ALL's active involvement in past sessions, which established our credibility, this type of info would likely slip by most of us.  Without our organization and experience, who would fight to protect your rights?  We know it's not as high profile as a lawsuit, or busting corrupt federal agencies, but our work on Utah's Capitol Hill has real and lasting impacts on all of us.  We appreciate the chance to be your advocate and a watch-dog.  Our presence on Utah's Capitol Hill has proven, yet again, to be a very valuable asset to all those who care about access to public lands in our great state.