UtahUtah law funds a university institute for forest restoration
The law funds a Utah State University institute to study forest and watershed health and sets limits on its fiscal year 2027 spending.
What it does
The Utah Forest Restoration Institute studies forest and watershed health and helps choose restoration projects. For fiscal year 2027, the law appropriates $2.55 million for the institute, with limits on operating costs and project funding.
The Initiative coordinates project monitoring with the institute. After a wildfire, flood, or other natural disaster, it may ask the institute for emergency funding.
Argument forA set time for reviewing disaster funding requests could help the Initiative learn quickly whether restoration money will be available.
Argument againstThe $800,000 cap on operations and staffing could limit the institute’s ability to support its research and project work.
More detail
The Utah Forest Restoration Institute studies forest and watershed health, recommends ways to reduce wildfire risks, and coordinates funding for restoration projects. The institute is connected with Utah State University and works with the Watershed Restoration Initiative on forest and watershed projects. The institute approves projects based on immediate need, expected short- and long-term benefits, available funds, and the Initiative’s recommendations. For fiscal year 2027, the law appropriates $2.55 million for the institute and intends to reallocate $650,000 in ongoing funding from Utah State University Extension. The institute may use no more than $800,000 for operations and staffing and must use at least $1.75 million for watershed restoration projects and study. The law takes effect May 6, 2026. The appropriations apply to fiscal year 2027, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
The Watershed Restoration Initiative sends the institute a prioritized project list and coordinates long-term monitoring, data collection, and student and faculty learning opportunities. These duties concern watershed restoration projects coordinated by the Initiative and the institute. After a wildfire, flood, or other natural disaster, the Initiative may request emergency funding from the institute. If it receives a request, the institute must review it within 72 hours and notify the Initiative of its decision within 96 hours. If the institute decides to provide funding, it must distribute it within a reasonable time. The institute must review an emergency request within 72 hours and notify the Initiative of its decision within 96 hours of receiving it. If it decides to provide funding, it must distribute the money within a reasonable time.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 25Governor Spencer Cox SignedBecame Law
- Mar 12House/ to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 12House/ received enrolled bill from PrintingMinor
- Mar 11House/ enrolled bill to Printing
- Mar 11Enrolled Bill Returned to House or SenateMinor
- Mar 6Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
- Mar 6Bill Received from House for EnrollingMinor
- Mar 6House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrollingMajor
- Mar 6House/ received from SenateMinor
- Mar 5Senate/ to House
- Vote recorded House/ concurs with Senate amendment. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 5Senate/ signed by President/ returned to HouseMajor
- Mar 5Senate/ received from HouseMinor
- Mar 5House/ to Senate
- Mar 5House/ concurs with Senate amendmentMajor
- Mar 4House/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
- Vote recorded Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 4House/ received from SenateMinor
- Mar 4Senate/ to House with amendments
- Mar 4Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionPassed Senate
- Mar 4Senate/ substituted
- Mar 4Senate/ uncircled
- Mar 3LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0376S01
- Mar 3LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0376S01
- Mar 3LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0376S01
- Mar 3LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0376S01
- Feb 25Senate/ circled
- Feb 25Senate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionMinor
- Feb 19Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
- Feb 19Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 19Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 17Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 17Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Feb 12Senate/ received from HouseMinor
- Vote recorded House/ passed 3rd reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 12House/ to Senate
- Feb 12House/ passed 3rd readingPassed House
- Feb 12House/ 3rd readingMinor
- Feb 4LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0376
- Feb 3LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0376
- Feb 3House/ 2nd readingMinor
- Feb 3House/ comm rpt/ amended [House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Major
- Feb 2House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 2House Comm - Amendment Recommendation [House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Jan 29House/ to standing committee [House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Jan 28House/ received fiscal note from Fiscal AnalystMinor
- Jan 28LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0376
- Jan 27House/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Jan 27LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0376
- Jan 26House/ received bill from Legislative ResearchMinor
- Jan 26LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0376
- Jan 26LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0376
- Jan 26Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed
- Jan 26Bill Numbered but not DistributedIntroduced
Environment & Energy