Anglers and boaters who were opposed to House Bill 187, the recreational use of public waters on private property sponsored by Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corinne, may have celebrated the bill's demise too early.
Acting on a motion by Rep. Jack Draxler, R-North Logan, the Utah House recalled the bill late in the afternoon session Wednesday and put it back on the third reading calendar meaning that the proposed law remains alive. Though the exact vote was not available, Division of Wildlife Resources' legislative specialist Robin Thomas said it was close.
She expects the bill to come back to a vote quickly, perhaps as early as Thursday, because in order for it to pass it still would have to pass the House and then go through the Senate process.
-- Tom Wharton