University of Utah Research Park Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2876
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-12-16: Received in the Senate.
Last Updated: 2026-06-22T21:06:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, titled the "University of Utah Research Park Act," aims to confirm that the University of Utah's use of a specific parcel of land in Salt Lake City, Utah, qualifies as a valid public purpose under federal law. It ensures the land can continue to be used for university-related developments, such as a research park, without risking reversion (return) to federal ownership.

Key Provisions

Confirmation of Primary Use: The Act validates the University of Utah's operation of the land as a research park, based on a 1970 approval letter from the Secretary of the Interior and any prior modifications approved by the Department of the Interior. This use must align with the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (RPPA) of 1926, a federal law that allows transfer of public lands to states or nonprofits for recreation or public purposes.
Additional Allowed Uses: The Act also approves other university-related activities on the land that support the research park, including building student housing and a transit hub (a central transportation facility). These must remain consistent with public purposes under the RPPA.
Land Description: The land covers approximately 593.54 acres, originally transferred to the University via a 1968 federal patent (official land grant document) under the RPPA. It is specifically identified as tracts D (excluding certain small parcels), G, and J in a designated area of Salt Lake Meridian.
Conditions: All uses are subject to the original terms and conditions from the 1970 letter and subsequent approvals, ensuring ongoing compliance.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The RPPA requires that transferred lands be used only for approved public or recreational purposes, or they revert to the federal government. This Act introduces no new rules but explicitly confirms the University's current and planned uses as compliant, potentially resolving any past ambiguities or challenges regarding the land's status.
It expands the scope of "valid public purposes" to include modern university needs like research facilities, housing, and transit, which may not have been explicitly covered in the original 1968 conveyance.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior gains clarity on the land's status, reducing administrative oversight or potential reclamation efforts. This could streamline federal land management in Utah.
On Citizens: Local residents and students in Salt Lake City may benefit from enhanced university infrastructure, such as improved research opportunities, affordable housing, and better public transit, potentially boosting education and economic development in the area.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic land-use matter focused on U.S. federal and state entities.
Overall, the Act promotes local development while protecting federal interests by tying approvals to existing conditions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

University of Utah: Primary beneficiary, as it secures long-term rights to develop the land for educational and research purposes.
U.S. Department of the Interior: Involved in historical approvals; the Act affirms their past decisions and limits future federal intervention.
Utah State and Local Government: Indirectly affected through partnerships with the University, potentially gaining from economic growth in Salt Lake City.
Local Community and Students: Could see improved access to university resources, housing, and transportation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal Implications: Strengthens property rights for the University by preempting potential RPPA violations, which could otherwise lead to costly litigation or land forfeiture. It sets a precedent for confirming land uses under older federal statutes to accommodate evolving public needs.
Constitutional Implications: None significant; the Act operates within Congress's authority over federal lands (under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution) and does not raise free speech, due process, or equal protection concerns.
Political Implications: Represents bipartisan support for higher education and local development in Utah, potentially serving as a model for similar land-use confirmations elsewhere. It avoids controversy by focusing on a narrow, non-partisan issue of administrative clarification.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3], Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]

Recent Actions

2025-12-16: Received in the Senate.
2025-12-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-12-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5873-5874)
2025-12-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5873-5874)
2025-12-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2876.
2025-12-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5873-5875)
2025-12-15: Mr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 246.
2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-290.
2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-290.
2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
2025-06-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-06-25: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
2025-04-29: Subcommittee Hearings Held
2025-04-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

Bill Versions

University of Utah Research Park Act — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (4 pages)
University of Utah Research Park Act — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (3 pages)
University of Utah Research Park Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (6 pages)