House approves measure letting DWR and sheriffs close target‑shooting areas to reduce wildfire risk

The Utah House passed House Bill 141 on Jan. 26, a bill that clarifies state authority and a four‑step process for closing areas to target shooting where wildfire risk is high.

Representative White, sponsor of the bill, told the House the measure seeks to reduce wildfires by clarifying DWR authority and communication with stakeholders. Under the substitute described on the floor, the DWR director must meet with the county sheriff, both must agree the area presents dangerous fire risk, they must memorialize that agreement in writing, and then review the agreement in 14 days to reevaluate the closure.

White said the bill is patterned on existing statutes that govern closures on state trust lands and involves the state forester and stakeholder coordination. With summation waived, the House recorded passage (71 yays, 0 nays) and will transmit the bill to the Senate.