House approves $150,000 to continue RS 2477 legal fight; measure heads to Senate

The Utah House on Feb. 2 approved a $150,000 appropriation to continue state litigation defending rights-of-way under RS 2477, passing the measure 55–11 and sending it to the Senate for consideration.

A sponsor who introduced the item told the House the appropriation is intended to “continue that legal battle against the federal government” over RS 2477 rights-of-way, which the sponsor described as covering roads, trails and transmission lines across public land. The sponsor said counties and local groups have already contributed to the effort: Washington and Garfield counties put in $100,000 and the Utah Association of Counties contributed $50,000, and the state appropriation would add $150,000.

Several representatives questioned whether the funding had followed the usual appropriation channels or been requested through the Department of Natural Resources. The sponsor responded that the governor’s office listed the bill with an “A” recommendation on the advisory council’s report and that the attorney general’s office was aware of the plan; the sponsor said the litigation work would likely be performed by contract counsel with RS 2477 expertise rather than by direct appropriation to the attorney general’s office.

Lieutenant Hatch rose in support, saying rural counties had expended significant amounts defending access and arguing that access to mineral and resource lands supports statewide revenue. Other members, particularly from urban delegations, objected that the bill sank outside normal departmental prioritization at a time when many programs face strict appropriation caps.

After debate, the House closed debate and voted. The clerk announced that House Bill 184 had received 55 yes votes and 11 no votes and passed to the Senate for their consideration.

The next step is Senate consideration; the House record shows the bill as passed by the House and awaiting Senate action.