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House approves bill to map RS 2477 roads using satellite and county data after contentious floor debate
Summary
HB334 directs mapping and documentation of RS 2477 rights-of-way using satellite imagery and county cooperation; debate centered on objectivity and which parties collect and verify data. The House passed the measure 71–1 and referred it to the Senate.
Representative Bradley Johnson sponsored first substitute House Bill 334 to create a program and committee to map and document RS 2477 roads and related structures, using satellite-based tools, Utah State University participation and county cooperation.
Supporters described the bill as a scientific effort to create authoritative maps and records. Johnson said modern technology "can pinpoint these roads" and emphasized state mapping resources would be used. Representative Becker offered a friendly amendment requiring counties to provide a public opportunity for interested parties to submit information and supporting materials; the amendment passed.
Opponents voiced concern about who would collect and verify the data and whether a county with a stake in the outcome could bias results. Representative Jones warned that assigning data collection to a single party risked selective data-gathering and urged neutral safeguards; sponsors replied the work would rely on state scientific entities (geological survey, Utah State University) and open processes.
After debate and amendment, the House approved HB334 by a recorded vote of 71 yes and 1 no; the bill was referred to the Senate for further action.
