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Senate rejects bill to raise golf course surcharge for park maintenance
Summary
Senate Bill 103, which would have raised a surcharge on state golf courses to create dedicated maintenance funds, failed after senators debated fee distribution and whether green fees already were being redirected; the sponsor requested the bill be held.
Senate Bill 103, aimed at increasing a surcharge on green fees to create a dedicated, non‑lapsing maintenance fund for individual state golf courses, was defeated on Jan. 25 after floor debate.
Sponsor Senator Blackham said the proposal would place the surcharge proceeds at the park where they were generated so courses could save for capital needs such as tractors; the surcharge would be retained locally while other green fee monies remain in the parks’ general fund.
Senator Muehlstein questioned whether higher‑use parks such as Wasatch Mountain should be charged more, asking whether differential rates could steer revenue to underfunded courses; Blackham said the bill addresses only the surcharge portion and not green fee policy. Debate included concerns about affordability and market pricing.
During the roll call there was confusion as several senators changed votes and at least one senator publicly changed his vote to 'no.' The clerk ultimately reported a tally indicating the bill failed. Senator Black requested to 'circle' or hold the bill in committee for further work.
Outcome: The bill failed on the floor; the sponsor asked that it be held for further consideration and proposed additional discussion in committee.
