UT HB0376

Establishes the Utah Forest Restoration Institute at Utah State University to conduct research on forest and watershed health, recommend wildfire mitigation strategies, and coordinate funding for restoration projects with the Watershed Restoration Initiative

Appropriates $1,900,000 from the Income Tax Fund for fiscal year 2027, with up to $800,000 designated for operations and staffing and at least $1,750,000 for watershed restoration project funding

Requires the Institute to review emergency funding requests from the Watershed Restoration Initiative within 72 hours and provide a funding decision within 96 hours for responses to wildfires, flooding, or other natural disasters

Mandates the Institute submit annual reports by July 1 to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee detailing funded programs, completed research, and financial statements

Effective date of May 6, 2026