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HB 431

Wildlife Crossing Amendments

2026 General Session Introduced by Scott Chew and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a dedicated Wildlife Crossing Account to fund wildlife connectivity and livestock protection projects, with voluntary contribution checkoffs for licenses and vehicle regist

Governor Signed
#agriculture&food #animals #departmentoftransportation #fishing #hunting #livestock #motorvehicles #naturalresources #transportation #transportationcommission #transportationfunding #transportationinvestmentfundof2005 #vehicleregistration #wildlife
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Bill Summary · HB 431

Overview

HB 431 (2026, Utah) — Wildlife Crossing Amendments — establishes a dedicated Wildlife Crossing Account within the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005 to fund wildlife connectivity and livestock protection projects. It also creates voluntary contribution checkoffs for wildlife crossing funding at vehicle-related permitting and registration, and makes various technical and fiscal adjustments.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve wildlife safety, habitat connectivity, and livestock protection by funding crossing infrastructure and related activities.
  • Provide a streamlined process for prioritizing projects through the Department of Transportation (UDOT) in consultation with the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and stakeholders.
  • Offer optional, voluntary contributions from the public to support wildlife connectivity efforts.

Key provisions

  • Wildlife Crossing Account (new within the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005):

    • Funds wildlife crossing and connectivity projects, including:
    • Wildlife overpasses and underpasses
    • Fencing, cattle guards, and livestock-safety infrastructure
    • Habitat-connectivity mitigation and monitoring
    • Culvert work to improve aquatic passage
    • Planning, mapping, research, and related activities
    • Livestock protection projects
    • UDOT, in collaboration with DWR and stakeholders, to prioritize projects for Commission consideration.
    • 10% of funds allocated to livestock-related safety projects.
    • Potential to carry funds over year-to-year for larger projects, as prioritized by the Commission.

  • Voluntary contributions:

    • Section 23A-3-217: Individuals applying for certain licenses/permits can designate a voluntary contribution (initially proposed at $1) for wildlife crossings.
    • Section 41-1a-230.1: Motor vehicle registration/renewal applicants may designate a voluntary contribution (initially proposed at $1).
    • Contributions collected by the Division and transferred to the Wildlife Crossing Account after covering administrative costs.

  • Tax and funding framework:

    • Amends several sections of Utah code to implement the voluntary contributions and to reflect the new Wildlife Crossing Account within the Transportation Investment Fund.
    • Maintains the broader structure of the Transportation Investment Fund (TIF) with multiple subaccounts and earmarks, including provisions for other transportation, water, and trail-related funds.

  • Administrative and timing aspects:

    • Effective date July 1, 2026.
    • The bill includes a special effective date and coordination requirements between UDOT, DWR, and stakeholders for project prioritization.

Who/what is affected

  • State government agencies: Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).
  • Wildlife and livestock stakeholders: wildlife managers, conservation groups, ranchers, and landowners in areas affected by wildlife movement and livestock safety concerns.
  • Utah residents and license/registration applicants: potential contributors via voluntary checkoffs on licenses, permits, and vehicle registrations.
  • Transportation Investment Fund: adds a dedicated Wildlife Crossing Account and increases funding flexibility for wildlife connectivity projects.

Procedural/Timeline aspects

  • Funding and programmatic duties begin upon the bill’s effective date (July 1, 2026).
  • Annual considerations for prioritization of projects by the Commission, based on recommendations from UDOT and DWR.
  • The bill specifies how contributions are collected, allocated, and tracked, with administrative costs deducted before deposit to the Wildlife Crossing Account.

Fiscal note highlights

  • The fiscal note indicates no net direct state or local cost from enactment.
  • Projected reallocation: about $2 million annually from the Transportation Investment Fund’s current allocations would be redirected toward wildlife and livestock connectivity initiatives.

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

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