House approves exemption from fishing license for young participants in nonprofit outdoor programs

The Utah House on Feb. 28 approved second substitute Senate Bill 59, creating a narrow fishing-license exemption for youths participating in documented, nonprofit-sponsored outdoor activities. Sponsor Representative Hunsicker told colleagues the measure lets “young people go into the outdoors and have an opportunity to learn about hunting and fishing and wildlife” without each participant needing a license when the activity is officially permitted.

Debate focused on the age covered and the exemption’s duration. Representative Hunsicker said the exemption applies for the length of the documented troop permit (commonly about a week), and that the bill as written covers children younger than 14. Representative Kaiser, speaking from 20 years as a scoutmaster, praised the bill as helpful for scouts pursuing merit badges.

Representative Frank proposed an amendment to widen the exemption, saying, “on line 9, substitute 14 with 16,” seeking to change multiple references to the age in the bill text. Members raised process and budget concerns: Representative Figueroa warned the House that, “If this motion amends the bill, [it] could have an impact on the fiscal note and, if the motion passes, I will recommend that it be returned to the fiscal analyst’s office for a revised fiscal note,” per House rules. Representative Holdaway highlighted logistical issues for mixed-age camps.

Representative Frank later withdrew his motion to amend, leaving the bill at the originally proposed age. The House then voted to pass the second substitute, with the clerk announcing the tally: 68 yes, 0 no, 7 absent. The measure will be returned to the Senate for the president’s signature.