[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6350828,"mediaKeyId","2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2","parentId",2231402,"title","Committee approves SB 212 substitutes to classify high-powered e-motorcycles, add helmet rule for youth and clarify where devices are prohibited","audioSeconds",810,"startMs",711000,"endMs",1521000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2&start=711&end=1521","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2/thumbnail_711000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6350828/Utah/Committee-approves-SB-212-substitutes-to-classify-high-powered-e-motorcycles-add-helmet-rule-for-youth-and-clarify-where-devices-are-prohibited","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6350828-2e971f5a03efad8681d26a8e96259793/orig.mp4?Expires=1775448663&Signature=L41RtDA0B1PlSUbpKZ9KvHsBJynwYLEOQiD~tTVdAA1TSrPXu0HVokwHIVHg6qDQzYnQMOdWGIAiMKmQNAWj9sv4AiglKjOaP0DMHDyX22j9dbHm~y7WIbGrU4KvX4Qt4Me1pigqFonRCl9dzLPUzidXZpVUKog8~acSPSv5oPPQdxNhnQak00pk1Ar0v8nrZCNcqhhPF7Pr6kZN5LB1Gfxt5uiOwpLbTtw8QskxZAhzkgEIzhKlW804zwIOG7rmtvGvg1j-qGAT1iWm~8I06HxhivocxRGxbqf0xNFcwKmb-ZLWtPgk1SD0hJ~veVqdKDN1e3EpaAer-FQ8lbxPbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-02-05T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously recommended the second substitute for Senate Bill 212, a package of changes that distinguishes electric bicycles from higher‑powered electric motorcycles and adds safety requirements for motorized personal devices.

Sponsor Senator Plumb told the committee the substitute removed a speed cap from earlier drafts, clarified device definitions, and added safety provisions after consultations with recreation, public‑safety and law‑enforcement stakeholders. The substitute defines motorcycles as motorized devices that lack pedals (devices with foot pegs) or that exceed 750 watts of motor power or can travel more than 20 miles per hour under motor power alone; those devices would be classified as motorcycles rather than e-bikes.

The substitute also: prohibits carrying excess passengers on e-bikes, mini motorcycles, motor‑assisted scooters and mopeds; requires those devices to yield to pedestrians and to obey traffic controls and “just and prudent” speeds; and includes a helmet requirement for riders under age 21. Sponsor Plumb said the helmet age language was added back into the second substitute and that staff would refine statutory cross-references on age numbering before floor action.

Multiple witnesses supported the substitute. Aaron Williams, ranger supervisor with Basin Recreation, told the committee that high‑powered electric motorcycles can reach 70–80 mph on some equipment and that classifying them as motorcycles helps agencies manage use. Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (Department of Natural Resources), said the substitute clarifies a regulatory gray area and helps law enforcement and messaging — and he noted that some competitive mountain bikers routinely exceed 20 mph, which is why the speed limitation was removed.

Public commenters raised operational concerns. Joshua Jorgensen, testifying online, said his scooter‑style device is used as a daily commute and asked for clearer language about how permitted passenger counts will be determined in enforcement stops. Law‑enforcement witnesses including Casey Bates (Summit County Sheriff’s Office) and Officer Jason Rose (Park City Police) supported the safety provisions and described an enforcement approach that emphasizes education prior to citations.

Senator Kwan moved the committee’s favorable recommendation; the motion passed unanimously. The sponsor said she will continue to consult with enforcement and recreation stakeholders to ensure the bill does not impede sanctioned events and that statutory cross‑references are consistent prior to floor debate.

Votes at a glance: Second substitute, SB 212 — committee favorable recommendation (unanimous).

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee - February 05, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously advanced a second substitute to SB 212 that distinguishes high‑powered electric motorcycles from pedal‑assisted e‑bikes, adds helmet requirements for riders under 21 and tightens rules about passengers and yielding to pedestrians.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6350833,"Utah committee backs bill creating rebuttable presumption that motorists bear liability in open-range livestock collisions",573,60000,633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2&start=60&end=633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6350833/Utah/Utah-committee-backs-bill-creating-rebuttable-presumption-that-motorists-bear-liability-in-open-range-livestock-collisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6350833-6a7f06cab3a1109eb831d58179c52cf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775448663&Signature=Gt6sscfvygG13KP-1VI7U2jO4p1aQUG7yue4YOKSYNam-X2eE5F7aNchb60HmD~0iSmrEMZQ2KUd6mz06ZGvyr9TAFtbguz1zl0hHapXIiDUllKo6ZvVXD4dxruBofy6~fgnXTva9RBOC47bT6rGKag8v5ZCkSzTBPKbhNUYSK4~XEq2hTKvXQ9PoR7n7WpTzQxyRihr~VeLRf8MZV3jBZH2yi8moO14w4kDtfF1zeHdlSbs38fKVNPUz~3hADTQoo~EgkP-VHeqLaypkfAOLlCAmu8GF93WsWnp8xB5IA~kItAoIMCLFgwTJ-dFWKp7cRo331BdlUBaQZmffdTazg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Standing Committee unanimously recommended a substitute version of Senate Bill 113 on a motion to pass the bill out favorably to the Senate floor.

The bill, introduced by Senator Sandel, would add a rebuttable presumption in civil actions that collisions with domestic livestock in defined “open range” areas are the motorist’s liability unless the livestock owner rebuts the presumption. The sponsor told the committee the change is intended to address confusion among insurers and to limit disputes over whether an owner was negligent when animals are accustomed to crossing public highways.

The billmaker said the current code (lines 31–33 in the draft bill) does not impose a presumption and that the new language would create a rebuttable presumption that the motorist was at fault. Senator Sandel told the committee he has worked with trial attorneys and expects to bring a drafting amendment that incorporates an established statutory definition of open range from Utah Code section cited in committee discussion (Utah Code 4-24-102 was referenced for definition material). He said that drafting will be filed before the bill reaches the floor.

Witnesses from agricultural and legal groups said they support the revised language. Russ Hymas, speaking on behalf of the UHA (identified in testimony as the State Trial Lawyers Association), told the committee he and his members had worked with the sponsor on language and that the amendment under consideration narrows the bill to situations where livestock are permitted to travel on or near roadways rather than fenced-out or “closed range” situations. Wade Garrett, vice president of the Utah Farm Bureau, said loss of livestock can be devastating for producers and that the group supports the clarification in the substitute.

Committee members asked practical questions about signage and scope. Senator Reby asked whether designated areas would be signed to warn motorists; the sponsor and others agreed that presence or absence of warning signs could be relevant in a negligence inquiry and that sign placement could factor into rebuttal of the presumption. Senator Ipsen asked whether the change would be retroactive; the sponsor said it would not be retroactive.

On the committee motion, Senator Reby moved that substitute SB 113 be sent with a favorable recommendation; the committee voted unanimously in favor. The sponsor said he will file a technical substitute adding the statutory open-range definition before the bill reaches the floor.

Votes at a glance: Substitute SB 113 — committee favorable recommendation (unanimous vote).

Context and next steps: Committee testimony indicates stakeholders agree to a drafting amendment incorporating an existing open-range definition; the sponsor intends to file that drafting change before third-party review on the floor. The bill text discussed in committee ties the presumption to “open range” conditions and does not extend to animals that have escaped fenced enclosures or typical household pets.

","The Senate Transportation Committee gave a unanimous favorable recommendation to a substitute version of Senate Bill 113, which would create a rebuttable presumption that motorists — rather than livestock owners — are liable for collisions with animals in defined open-range areas.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6350818,"Committee advances SB 126 to ban certain atmospheric geoengineering releases; debate centers on evidence, enforcement and felony penalty",2257,2661000,4918000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2&start=2661&end=4918","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2/thumbnail_2661000.jpg","/articles/6350818/Utah/Committee-advances-SB-126-to-ban-certain-atmospheric-geoengineering-releases-debate-centers-on-evidence-enforcement-and-felony-penalty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6350818-9285c15a0478e3675001c1fde2bf2845/orig.mp4?Expires=1775448663&Signature=ZdwE4~g4dQJAdZ2rchUTCX7OSii-77t0gseooA~8FpuWzNiYcr9epxofn2634kBnPC~eXatiHTgGpqYePp4fTmB3zxNOJ3Lg3qjhh2LLX2ztzmIu807Jggl3jiiIy9rlmhZoaXl~mK7sDcDrWcWZGFLBgxF1h7Ef8rA6jdHVoiV~PoSk0fIuOjbT6kUoIpohABRUSMEhM63eFBk5bigNXqDsjTZLK-o-grIgEQMnHQIAqwzayhC8PFQrCRPQmFQX3ZHMyXLFTBmofhFwlB4yVtfZTQMmaac4qw47NK4PyVvrEVa1JpyZWZ2n1ExcPoXSioT-yrMjM7koM5~q790AFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Transportation Committee voted 4–2 to advance a second substitute of Senate Bill 126, which would ban aircraft from releasing substances for the purpose of solar‑radiation modification and create a public reporting mechanism for suspected instances.

Sponsor Senator Winterton described the bill as a preventative measure aimed at solar‑radiation modification (a form of geoengineering) and said the substitute exempts customary state cloud‑seeding programs while banning high‑altitude releases that the sponsor characterized as stratospheric aerosol injections. The second substitute also includes a liability waiver provision for airports and directs the Department of Transportation to provide a publicly accessible reporting mechanism for credible reports of suspected geoengineering activity.

Committee discussion focused on scientific evidence, enforcement and penalties. Several senators expressed concern about the bill’s enforcement mechanics and the stringency of penalties included in the substitute; Senator Reby and others pointed to language in the draft that would make certain violations a third‑degree felony. The sponsor said the felony language was included to provide enforcement “teeth” but agreed to consult further with legal counsel and the Attorney General’s office about appropriate penalty levels.

A substantial portion of the hearing was public comment. Dozens of residents and community advocates testified in favor of the bill, describing sky observations and citing research and reports they contend show elevated particulates such as aluminum and sulfate in environmental samples. Witnesses included local residents who provided anecdotal observations of lingering contrails and described health and ecological concerns; organizations represented included Utah Legislative Watch. Jason Curry (Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation) and UDOT provided procedural input — UDOT said it would host a simple web form or Google‑Docs‑style form (estimated at about $2,000) for public reports, not an automated monitoring system.

Opponents on the committee argued the science is not settled and that an outright ban could impede responsible research. Senator Kwan and Senator Riebe said the bill is premature without further study; both recorded “nay” votes on the committee motion advancing the substitute (the clerk recorded the committee’s final roll as 4–2 in favor). The sponsor said he would pursue additional briefings and consult with counsel about penalty language and enforcement before floor action.

Votes at a glance: Second substitute, SB 126 — committee favorable recommendation to the floor (4–2; Senators Kwan and Riebe recorded as opposed).

","The Senate Transportation Committee voted 4–2 to advance a second substitute to SB 126, which would ban aircraft releases for solar‑radiation modification over Utah, set up a public reporting mechanism and include an airport liability waiver; committee debate centered on scientific evidence and enforcement penalties.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6350823,"Committee advances SB 210 to add per-registration fee to fund county-run DMV services and establish state office in Cache County",998,1546000,2544000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2&start=1546&end=2544","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2/thumbnail_1546000.jpg","/articles/6350823/Utah/Committee-advances-SB-210-to-add-per-registration-fee-to-fund-county-run-DMV-services-and-establish-state-office-in-Cache-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6350823-883be982d603a24efe19b85131161da4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775448663&Signature=TAyGh74tc5gwE393I7f5~ZZGDZ~TaQn-q4Nw8tWXpZsckeh8vyFIADKcrYvJ5NNztkdZY4VmGJsOyPXsQnpjoSzoCyBW36yPcdQKt1lGj6-dNarsk6CZG4ieWgpy7XO0nL2Bt2zNyJWx7RALCgHjg2iOn797q58FTQBuLvpYiQlLv7olj12v6yyqxU8NIWxbDXfcc3MhSeD2wwVTDUPBqgP7nqcbrtBTUDIRRKV-AENZXi6B69pgHWelMUpTN65kfYHfuGkoV74tI5Rly7d9AnpIDiQ0t4Vh9Aorv4eT~n-nMIvs0RauyldYJQMgAH-K2DKkt~wxLIToVJgDtp5MKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Transportation Committee voted 6–1 to send Senate Bill 210, Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments, to the Senate floor with a favorable recommendation. The bill establishes a per-registration funding mechanism to sustain county‑run motor‑vehicle services and funds a state office in Cache County.

Sponsor Senator Wilson said many county contracts that let counties provide DMV services for the state have not been updated for decades and that county reimbursement has not kept pace with rising personnel and operating costs. Testimony from Lincoln Shirts (Association of Counties) and county officials described an average county subsidy of about $100,000 per year to operate DMV services under the old contract; the sponsor said Cache County’s anticipated costs to transition to a state-run office (start‑up and ongoing) were estimated in committee testimony at about $1.8 million, paid from the additional fee revenue the bill would collect.

Under the bill as discussed in committee, every vehicle registration in the state would be charged an additional fee (committee testimony discussed a $1.25 figure) and funds collected statewide would be redistributed by formula to the 20 participating counties that administer DMV services for the state. The sponsor and Lincoln Shirts said the goal is to replace ad‑hoc, 25‑year‑old contracting arrangements with a stable funding stream for counties that currently provide the service on behalf of the Tax Commission. Committee members sought clarification about how the new line items would appear on registration bills and whether the fee would increase charges for residents; witnesses testified that the collection would be statewide but redistribution would be limited to participating counties so individual total registration charges would rise modestly (example testimony said roughly $1.25 on a typical ~$100 registration).

Multiple county examples were given to illustrate service patterns: Spanish‑speaking employees drawing clients from nearby counties, walk‑in appointment policies that attract out‑of‑county customers, and convenience for out‑of‑state watercraft registration in lake counties. The Association of Counties testified that the redistribution categories (some numbers of dollars in testimony for differing county classes) reflected how the funds would be distributed to make participating counties whole.

On the committee motion, Senator Reby moved to pass SB 210 with a favorable recommendation; the motion passed 6–1. The sponsor said stakeholders will continue to refine details as the bill proceeds.

Votes at a glance: SB 210 — committee favorable recommendation (6–1).

","Senate Bill 210 would add a statewide per-registration fee (proposal discussed as $1.25 in committee) to create a redistribution to 20 counties that operate motor-vehicle services for the state and to fund a new state-run DMV office in Cache County; committee passed the bill 6–1 after detailed testimony from county associations and the sponsor.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6350813,"Senator Escamilla to continue work on voluntary diesel emissions registry; committee heard report without action",265,4943000,5208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2&start=4943&end=5208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2231402-2e7b2fcb9d9761b250ad879b2dabd1f2/thumbnail_4943000.jpg","/articles/6350813/Utah/Senator-Escamilla-to-continue-work-on-voluntary-diesel-emissions-registry-committee-heard-report-without-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6350813-aab4a7e488ceb2b46dff6ffb4ca0fb41/orig.mp4?Expires=1775448663&Signature=GGjc2PcaLv02fPQzIJu3qjM2VbL4MwoX2tfyEbqidG7Rr05KN15OAXV9KbDgJKMWY-hkDNBjf7bQfynyqXl72hOG~4vJJkjsm~6nzZa5mkTATZq2hlL3fKZDcFkHcjUJDp3hUQNADHlHhd1e1HdCOssRGi6QluAlatWbcE4C3FWe-SBQhAl2M8xiXIdEA4Jm6y2HI1IYDiFhLnKj6SFEbKcbYyGj7vV5Gesjj2Sz-RVF76zIs6wp5dqUZjFty25IXDYmjACX6BhUsUKbrTBJIJFVG6iM~CQ75-MHtox3wJgZHZSu248SeBBrRmeb2-0OGgGKO9HIojS5Fuh7CHIu1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Escamilla briefed the Senate Transportation Committee on the background and next steps for Senate Bill 184, a diesel emissions reduction measure that would create a voluntary registry to prioritize funding and incentives for non‑road diesel equipment.

Escamilla said the bill stems from a division of air quality study (the final report was issued in November 2023) and aims to promote cleaner non‑road diesel engines through voluntary registration, which could be used to prioritize applicants when funding is available. After meeting with general contractors and other stakeholders, the sponsor said he intends to work during the interim to craft a stronger bill to encourage participation from smaller businesses that need incentives, and to incorporate best practices from other states such as Texas.

Witnesses and committee members discussed registration costs, participation incentives and the difficulty of counting non‑road diesel equipment when no central registry exists. The sponsor said the bill excludes most farming equipment by design and focuses on construction and other non‑road diesel equipment where voluntary registration could prioritize recipients for grant or rebate funding in the future.

Committee members welcomed the interim work and did not take a committee vote on the bill at this hearing; the sponsor plans stakeholder meetings over the summer and said a revised proposal will be filed next session.

","Committee received a status report on SB 184 (Diesel Emissions Reduction Amendments). Senator Escamilla said stakeholders plan summer interim work to redesign the bill into a stronger voluntary registry and incentive program modeled on Texas; no committee vote was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves SB 212 substitutes to classify high-powered e-motorcycles, add helmet rule for youth and clarify where devices are prohibited

Utah committee backs bill creating rebuttable presumption that motorists bear liability in open-range livestock collisions

Committee advances SB 126 to ban certain atmospheric geoengineering releases; debate centers on evidence, enforcement and felony penalty

Committee advances SB 210 to add per-registration fee to fund county-run DMV services and establish state office in Cache County

Senator Escamilla to continue work on voluntary diesel emissions registry; committee heard report without action