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House approves wildlife code changes after floor discussion over searches and landowner permits
Summary
House Bill 333, which amends wildlife law to allow cooperative landowner permits, reallocate unused permits and remove conflicting language on wildlife officer authority, passed after debate that clarified it does not expand warrantless search powers, sponsors said.
The Utah House approved changes to the state wildlife code that sponsors said fix inconsistencies and add administrative flexibility for landowners.
Representative Dennis Steiler presented House Bill 333, which revises definitions to distinguish manufactured homes and to clarify wildlife officer powers, allows property owners in areas with wildlife damage to cooperate in issuing permits, reauthorizes the Wildlife Heritage Act for five years and resolves conflicting code language that could impede enforcement. Steiler and questioners exchanged at length about language on searches and depredation permits.
A key exchange addressed whether the bill would allow wildlife officers to conduct warrantless searches of homes. "This would not allow them to search without permission or without there being an emergency," the sponsor said, explaining the change removes conflicting wording and aligns wildlife officers with other peace officers under Title 77. Representatives also pressed about giving property owners the ability to allocate depredation permits to others; the sponsor said such transfers were intended to let adjoining landowners cooperate to address damage.
The House closed debate and recorded the vote: House Bill 333 received 66 yes votes and was passed to the Senate for consideration.
Why it matters: The bill resolves statutory conflicts that sponsors said could make evidence inadmissible in prosecutions and implements administrative changes meant to streamline permit use and program reauthorization.
Next steps: HB333 was sent to the Senate for consideration after passage in the House.
