UT HB0536

Creates the Public Lands Restoration and Protection Fund, administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, funded by criminal restitution from public lands offenses, legislative appropriations, and investment income

Expands the offense of defacing public lands to include damaging or destroying natural features (hoodoos, caves, stalactites) and archaeological features (petroglyphs, pictographs, rock shelters) in addition to graffiti

Establishes escalating penalties: class B misdemeanor for first offense, class A misdemeanor for repeat offenders, with mandatory community service of 100-300 hours depending on number of convictions

Allows courts to order restitution for antiquities violations on state lands to be deposited into the new fund, with violations exceeding $500 in damage classified as third degree felonies

Takes effect May 6, 2026