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House passes bill limiting state approvals for federal land acquisitions after heated debate
Summary
The Utah House passed HB 208 as amended, a measure that changes state procedures for exchanges or sales of real property to the federal government. Supporters framed the bill as a states'rights clarification; opponents warned it raises serious constitutional questions and risks costly litigation. The amended bill passed 50'21.
The Utah House on the floor approved House Bill 208 as amended, a measure that revises state oversight of transfers, sales and exchanges of real property with the federal government. The bill's sponsor, Representative Bradley T. Johnson, said the changes clarify procedures for exchanges and carve out equal-value property trades, leases and rights-of-way so the statute is administrable.
"How much is your constitutional rights worth?" Representative Johnson asked lawmakers while defending an amended fiscal note that said any costs would relate mainly to lawsuits and could be handled within existing budgets.…
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