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HB 12

Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Amendments

2026 General Session Introduced by Derrin Owens and 1 co-sponsor

Utah expands outdoor recreation accessibility requirements for public lands and facilities to include more people with disabilities before enrollment into law.

Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
#naturalresources #outdoorrecreation #parksandrecreation
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Bill Summary · HB 12

Legislative bill overview

HB 12 amends Utah's outdoor recreation accessibility standards to expand access for individuals with disabilities to public lands and recreation facilities. The bill has passed both chambers and is in the final enrollment stage before becoming law. The amendments appear to modify existing accessibility requirements for trails, campgrounds, and other recreational infrastructure managed by the state.

Why is this important

Outdoor recreation accessibility directly affects quality of life for Utah residents with disabilities and their families, determining whether they can participate in activities central to the state's culture and economy. Enhanced accessibility standards can also increase usage of public lands, generating broader public health benefits and potentially supporting local tourism. The bill's passage reflects growing recognition that outdoor recreation is a civil right, not a luxury amenity.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Retrofitting existing trails and facilities to meet new accessibility standards may require significant state or local funding, raising questions about fiscal impact
  • Standards specificity: Ambiguity about which accessibility standards apply to which facilities could create compliance confusion for land managers and potential disputes over adequacy
  • Balancing conservation with access: Expanding accessibility infrastructure on sensitive natural areas may conflict with environmental protection goals or wilderness preservation principles

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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