Senate moves $30 nonresident snowmobile decal forward after debate on enforcement

Senate Bill 14, presented Jan. 22, 1999 by Senator Jones, would require nonresident snowmobilers to purchase a $30 decal to operate in Utah; the sponsor said $20.70 of the fee would go to groom trails and 10% would be retained by the agent issuing the decal. The floor restored a 14‑day grace period that had been removed in committee, and the Department of Natural Resources and Division of Parks and Recreation circulated letters supporting the bill with the grace provision.

Senators raised enforcement concerns, interstate reciprocity, and whether the state had statutory authority to impose and collect such a fee outside state parks. Senator Valentine announced he would register a first nay vote and argued the 14‑day provision would make enforcement difficult; the sponsor and other supporters said the fee funds grooming, signage and search‑and‑rescue costs. The roll call showed the bill passed to third reading with 20 ayes, 5 nays and 4 absences and will be placed on the third‑reading calendar.