A Bill That Could Save Lives — Wildlife and Human: Why You Should Care About HB 431

4 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 10 hours ago

Right now in the 2026 Utah legislative session, lawmakers are considering House Bill 431 — the “Wildlife Crossing Amendments.” This proposal is centered on expanding how the state supports wildlife connectivity and protections against wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Here’s what HB 431 would do:

Create and support dedicated funding mechanisms for wildlife crossing infrastructure and habitat connectivity projects.
Empower Utahns to give at the point of vehicle registration or licensing — with the added opportunity for private citizens or foundations who invest deeply in wildlife connectivity to permanently name the crossing in their honor or the honor of someone they wish to recognize
Redirect portions of existing transportation funds toward connectivity solutions that help animals move safely across human-built barriers.

The bill has already passed the Utah House and advanced into Senate committee review, reflecting growing bipartisan awareness of how land use and transportation planning affect both people and wildlife.

A bear uses the Parleys Canyon wildlife overpass to cross I-80. Photo: Screenshot from Utah Department of Natural Resources

WHY THIS MATTERS

Wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, bobcats, and other native species need to move daily to find food, water, mates, and favorable seasonal habitat. Roads and human development fragment these routes, leading to dangerous conditions — both for animals and motorists.

Bills like HB 431 are about more than just bridges and fences. They are about bringing science into transportation planning, conserving biodiversity, and reducing collisions that harm drivers and wildlife alike.

By establishing dedicated support for wildlife crossings and habitat connectivity, Utah can protect the natural rhythms of daily and seasonal movements documented in trail camera data and animal tracking studies.

We’ll continue to follow HB 431 as it moves through the Legislature and share how this policy could shape safer, more connected landscapes for people and wildlife across the state.

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