Utah 2026 General Session Status: Enacted 2 R cosponsors

SB 172 — Airport and Air Amendments

Last action — Governor Signed

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 21, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Spencer Cox (Republican) on March 18, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 R).

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

256 added · 258 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendments to Bill SB 172 made a few important changes regarding airport operations and licensing. First, the language clarifying the types of aircraft that require specific operational agreements has been streamlined, removing some unnecessary details. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that any new non-federally funded airport must be licensed and approved by the relevant department before it can be open for public use. These changes are significant because they help clarify the requirements for airport operation and ensure that safety and regulatory standards are upheld.

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Latest
02-04 15:30 S.B.
Enrolled Copy S.B.
72-10-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 423, 515 72-10-109, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 423, 452 72-10-110, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 483 72-10-110.5, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 436 72-10-118, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 431 S 72-10-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 431 B 72-10-203, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 431 .
72-10-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 423, 515 72-10-109, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 423, 452 72-10-110, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 483 72-10-110.5, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 436 72-10-118, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 431 72-10-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 431 72-10-203, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 431 72-10-301, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 270 72-10-401, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 17 S.B.
72-10-301, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 270 7 72-10-401, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special Session, Chapter 17 2 72-10-802, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 216 77-11d-102, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 448 ENACTS:
172 Enrolled Copy 72-10-802, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 216 77-11d-102, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 448 ENACTS:
S.B.
72-10-216, Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
172 02-04 15:30 72-10-216, Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
(c) calling the instructor's facilities an air school, or [any ] an equivalent term;
- 2 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
172 (c) calling the instructor's facilities an air school, or [any ] an equivalent term;
(6) "Aircraft" means [any ] a contrivance now known or in the future invented, used, or - 2 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
(6) "Aircraft" means [any ] a contrivance now known or in the future invented, used, or designed for navigation of or flight in the air.
172 designed for navigation of or flight in the air.
(C) for the sale of, or the sale or lease of rights in, mineral, natural, or agricultural products or water owned by the airport operator to be taken from the airport;
- 3 - S.B.
and - 3 - S.B.
172 Enrolled Copy (C) for the sale of, or the sale or lease of rights in, mineral, natural, or agricultural products or water owned by the airport operator to be taken from the airport;
172 02-04 15:30 (D) for the right to conduct an activity on, or for the use or disposition of, real or personal property or [any ] an interest in real or personal property owned or controlled by the airport operator and used for an airport-related purpose but not located on the airport;
and (D) for the right to conduct an activity on, or for the use or disposition of, real or personal property or [any ] an interest in real or personal property owned or controlled by the airport operator and used for an airport-related purpose but not located on the airport;
(a) [any operations ] the operation of an aircraft for compensation or hire or [any ] services performed incidental to the operation of [any ] an aircraft for which a fee is charged or compensation is received, including the servicing, maintaining, and repairing of aircraft, the rental or charter of aircraft, the operation of flight or ground schools, the operation of aircraft for the application or distribution of chemicals or other substances, and the operation of aircraft for hunting and fishing;
(a) [any operations ] the operation of an aircraft for compensation or hire or [any ] services performed incidental to the operation of [any ] an aircraft for which a fee is charged or compensation is received, including the servicing, maintaining, and repairing of aircraft, the rental or charter of aircraft, the operation of flight or ground - 4 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
172 schools, the operation of aircraft for the application or distribution of chemicals or other substances, and the operation of aircraft for hunting and fishing;
but - 4 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
but (c) does not include any operations of aircraft as common carriers certificated by the federal government or the services incidental to those operations.
172 (c) does not include any operations of aircraft as common carriers certificated by the federal government or the services incidental to those operations.
(31) "Passenger aircraft" means aircraft used for transporting persons, in addition to the pilot or crew, with or without their necessary personal belongings.
(31) "Passenger aircraft" means aircraft used for transporting persons, in addition to the - 5 - S.B.
172 Enrolled Copy pilot or crew, with or without their necessary personal belongings.
- 5 - S.B.
(33) "Pilot" means [any ] a person who operates the controls of an aircraft while in-flight.
172 02-04 15:30 (33) "Pilot" means [any ] a person who operates the controls of an aircraft while in-flight.
(45) "Unmanned aircraft system" means the entire system used to operate an unmanned aircraft, including:
- 6 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
172 (45) "Unmanned aircraft system" means the entire system used to operate an unmanned aircraft, including:
- 6 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
(b) communications equipment;
172 (b) communications equipment;
Ŝ→ [ or] ←Ŝ (b) a non-passenger-carrying flight solely for inspection or test purposes authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to be made without the certificate of registration[;
(b) a non-passenger-carrying flight solely for inspection or test purposes authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to be made without the certificate of registration[;
or Ŝ→ .] ;
or] ;
or [[](c)[] []aircraft operating under 14 C.F.R.
or (c) aircraft operating under 14 C.F.R.
Part 121, with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 35,000 pounds.[]] ←Ŝ (3) An aircraft that is owned and operated by an operator licensed under 14 C.F.R.
Part 121, with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 35,000 pounds.
(3) An aircraft that is owned and operated by an operator licensed under 14 C.F.R.
(4) Beginning on January 1, 2025, a person may not operate in this state an unmanned aircraft system or an advanced air mobility aircraft for commercial operation for which certification is required under federal rule unless the aircraft has a current certificate of registration issued by the department.
(4) Beginning on January 1, 2025, a person may not operate in this state an unmanned - 7 - S.B.
- 7 - S.B.
172 Enrolled Copy aircraft system or an advanced air mobility aircraft for commercial operation for which certification is required under federal rule unless the aircraft has a current certificate of registration issued by the department.
172 02-04 15:30 [(4)] (5) The department shall, on or before December 31 of [each ] a calendar year, provide to the State Tax Commission a list of [each ] the aircraft for which a current certificate of registration is issued by the department under Subsection (1).
[(4)] (5) The department shall, on or before December 31 of [each ] a calendar year, provide to the State Tax Commission a list of [each ] the aircraft for which a current certificate of registration is issued by the department under Subsection (1).
(ii) The department shall make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to establish a process for challenging the department's calculation under Subsection (2)(d)(i).
(ii) The department shall make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah - 8 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
172 Administrative Rulemaking Act, to establish a process for challenging the department's calculation under Subsection (2)(d)(i).
- 8 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
(i) exclusively by an entity that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, and exempt from property taxation under Title 59, Chapter 2, Property Tax Act;
172 (i) exclusively by an entity that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, and exempt from property taxation under Title 59, Chapter 2, Property Tax Act;
(b) The rules made [pursuant to] in accordance with Subsection (4)(a) regarding registration and applicable fees for an unmanned aircraft system or an advanced air mobility system may include:
(b) The rules made [pursuant to] in accordance with Subsection (4)(a) regarding registration and applicable fees for an unmanned aircraft system or an advanced air - 9 - S.B.
172 Enrolled Copy mobility system may include:
- 9 - S.B.
(ii) technical guidance for complying with state and federal law;
172 02-04 15:30 (ii) technical guidance for complying with state and federal law;
Show all 64 changed rows (24 more)
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(10) The department shall maintain a statewide database of all aircraft based within the state.
- 10 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
(11) The department may suspend or revoke a registration if the department determines that the required fee has not been paid and the fee is not paid upon reasonable notice and - 10 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
172 (10) The department shall maintain a statewide database of all aircraft based within the state.
172 demand.
(11) The department may suspend or revoke a registration if the department determines that the required fee has not been paid and the fee is not paid upon reasonable notice and demand.
(1) Before establishing and operating Ŝ→ [an] a non-federally funded ←Ŝ airport that 366a is open or available for public use in this state, an airport shall obtain a license issued and authorized by the department.
(1) Before establishing and operating a non-federally funded airport that is open or available for public use in this state, an airport shall obtain a license issued and - 11 - S.B.
[(1)] (2) If the department rejects an application for [permission to operate or establish an airport] a license described under Subsection (1), or issues [any ] an order under this - 11 - S.B.
172 Enrolled Copy authorized by the department.
172 02-04 15:30 chapter that requires or prohibits certain actions, [its order] the department shall state:
[(1)] (2) If the department rejects an application for [permission to operate or establish an airport] a license described under Subsection (1), or issues [any ] an order under this chapter that requires or prohibits certain actions, [its order] the department shall state:
Department and counties, municipalities, and airport authorities authorized to acquire and regulate airports.
Department and counties, municipalities, and airport authorities - 12 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
(1) The department and municipalities, counties, and airport authorities may acquire, establish, construct, expand, own, lease, control, equip, improve, maintain, operate, - 12 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
172 authorized to acquire and regulate airports.
172 regulate, and police airports for the use of aircraft and may use for these purposes [any ] an available property that is owned or controlled by the department or by a municipality, county, or airport authority.
(1) The department and municipalities, counties, and airport authorities may acquire, establish, construct, expand, own, lease, control, equip, improve, maintain, operate, regulate, and police airports for the use of aircraft and may use for these purposes [any ] an available property that is owned or controlled by the department or by a municipality, county, or airport authority.
or (F) property abandoned on a commercial airline, unless the airline and airport operator have a written agreement that allows the airport operator to accept and hold the property.
or (F) property abandoned on a commercial airline, unless the airline and airport operator have a written agreement that allows the airport operator to accept and - 13 - S.B.
(c) "Money" means coins or currency of the United States or of another country, travelers checks, personal checks, bank checks, money orders, and investment - 13 - S.B.
172 Enrolled Copy hold the property.
172 02-04 15:30 securities or negotiable instruments in bearer form or in another form so that title passes upon delivery.
(c) "Money" means coins or currency of the United States or of another country, travelers checks, personal checks, bank checks, money orders, and investment securities or negotiable instruments in bearer form or in another form so that title passes upon delivery.
(e) If no claim is made for the lost or mislaid property within nine days of publication of the notice, the airport operator may dispose of the property as provided by local ordinance adopted by the political subdivision in which the airport is located.
(e) If no claim is made for the lost or mislaid property within nine days of publication of - 14 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
172 the notice, the airport operator may dispose of the property as provided by local ordinance adopted by the political subdivision in which the airport is located.
- 14 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
(i) sell the property at public auction or through a third-party seller and apply the proceeds to a lawful purpose;
172 (i) sell the property at public auction or through a third-party seller and apply the proceeds to a lawful purpose;
[(1) "Airport" means any area of land or water which is used, or intended for use for the landing and taking-off of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for aircraft buildings or other airport facilities or rights of way, together with all airport buildings and facilities located on them.] [(2)] (1) "Air navigation facility" means [any ] a facility, [-- ]other than one owned and operated by the United States, [-- ]used in, available for use in, or designed for use in aid of air navigation, including [any ]structures, mechanisms, lights, beacons, markers, communicating systems, or other instrumentalities, or devices used or useful as an aid, or constituting an advantage or convenience, to the safe taking-off, navigation, and - 15 - S.B.
[(1) "Airport" means any area of land or water which is used, or intended for use for the landing and taking-off of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for aircraft buildings or other airport facilities or rights of way, together with all airport buildings and facilities located on them.] [(2)] (1) "Air navigation facility" means [any ] a facility, [-- ]other than one owned and operated by the United States, [-- ]used in, available for use in, or designed for use in aid - 15 - S.B.
172 02-04 15:30 landing of aircraft, or the safe and efficient operation or maintenance of an airport, and any combination of [any or all of ]the facilities.
172 Enrolled Copy of air navigation, including [any ]structures, mechanisms, lights, beacons, markers, communicating systems, or other instrumentalities, or devices used or useful as an aid, or constituting an advantage or convenience, to the safe taking-off, navigation, and landing of aircraft, or the safe and efficient operation or maintenance of an airport, and any combination of [any or all of ]the facilities.
(b) may extend beyond the airport influence area;
- 16 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
172 (b) may extend beyond the airport influence area;
(d) protects property owner land values near an airport through compatible land use - 16 - 02-04 15:30 S.B.
(d) protects property owner land values near an airport through compatible land use regulations as recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration;
172 regulations as recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration;
(3) A law enforcement agency or officer that obtains, receives, or uses data acquired through the use of an unmanned aircraft system or through Subsection (2) shall destroy the data as soon as reasonably possible after the law enforcement agency or officer - 17 - S.B.
- 17 - S.B.
172 02-04 15:30 obtains, receives, or uses the data subject to an applicable retention schedule under Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act, or a federal, state, or local law.
172 Enrolled Copy (3) A law enforcement agency or officer that obtains, receives, or uses data acquired through the use of an unmanned aircraft system or through Subsection (2) shall destroy the data as soon as reasonably possible after the law enforcement agency or officer obtains, receives, or uses the data subject to an applicable retention schedule under Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act, or a federal, state, or local law.
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Amendments

2 amendments

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Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Senate/ to Governor

  3. Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing

  4. Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing

  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

  7. Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling

  8. Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling

  9. Senate/ received from House

  10. House/ to Senate

  11. House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate

  12. House/ passed 3rd reading

  13. House/ 3rd reading

  14. House/ 2nd reading

  15. House/ committee report favorable [House Transportation Committee]

  16. House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Transportation Committee]

  17. House/ to standing committee [House Transportation Committee]

  18. House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  19. House/ received from Senate

  20. Senate/ to House

  21. Senate/ passed 3rd reading

  22. Senate/ uncircled

  23. Senate/ circled

  24. Senate/ 3rd reading

  25. Senate/ passed 2nd reading

  26. Senate/ uncircled

  27. Senate/ circled

  28. Senate/ 2nd reading

  29. Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar

  30. Senate/ comm rpt/ amended [Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee]

  31. Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee]

  32. Senate Comm - Amendment Recommendation [Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee]

  33. Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee]

  34. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0172

  35. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0172

  36. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  37. Senate/ received bill from Legislative Research

  38. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0172

  39. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0172

  40. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed

  41. Bill Numbered but not Distributed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 102 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (102)

102 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety transportation technology
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 172?
SB 172 is sponsored by Doug Welton (Republican) and Wayne A. Harper (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 172?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 21, 2026. Enacted.
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