Commission briefed on administrative-rule recodification for outdoor programs

The Utah Outdoor Adventure Commission received notifications that several administrative rules governing outdoor programs will be recodified to improve alignment with state statutes and existing regulations. At the start of the meeting, Ty Hunter told commissioners the Division of Outdoor Recreation is consolidating rules into R650 and moving older series (600, 800) into a consistent 200-series framework to bring definitions and language into conformity with applicable state regulations.

Chase, participating online, provided a concurrent notification for off-highway-vehicle (OHP) rules, describing similar technical updates to move language into a 400-series designation. Chase listed specific items included in the recodification: decals and display requirements (401, 405), a husbandry decal fee item (noted as $4.10 during the briefing), safety-flag provisions for designated sand dunes, safety curriculum standards (412) and OHV license-plate display rules (413). He said these updates were technical and “no substantial substantial changes” to program policy.

Commission members treated both briefings as informational; the chair noted there was no action to take at the meeting. Multiple commissioners characterized the changes as cleanup language rather than policy changes. The notifications will proceed through the administrative rule process as required by statute, and staff indicated commissioners would be informed of any items that later require formal approval or substantive alteration.

Next steps: staff will continue the administrative process and notify commissioners if any recodified rule requires formal commission action or public comment under the state rulemaking schedule.