House adds aviation to recreational-use protections despite safety concerns

The Utah House on Friday approved House Bill 208 to clarify the state's recreational-use statute to include aviation-related recreation — specifically backcountry pilots using private landing strips — and to protect landowners from liability when they allow noncommercial recreational access.

Representative Barris, the sponsor, said the change simply recognizes an existing class of recreation and will give private landowners confidence to allow limited aviation access. “There are some private landowners who... would certainly allow more access to them if they knew that aircraft operations were specifically included,” he said, describing backcountry pilots as safety-conscious and conservation-minded.

Representative King opposed the bill on policy grounds, urging colleagues to reject legislation that, in his view, grants immunity that could diminish personal responsibility. “When we grant immunity, we're undermining that fundamental important conservative principle,” King said on the floor, arguing immunity can reduce incentives for due care.

Barris responded that the statute already covers a broad set of recreational activities and that the amendment simply clarifies inclusion of aviation; he said the sponsor's intent was not to expand immunity beyond existing protections for other recreational users.

The House voted 68–4 in favor of the bill. Supporters said the amendment will encourage backcountry-aviation events and protect private landing strips used for camping and recreation; opponents maintained concerns about public-safety incentives and urged caution.

The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.