3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in ENGROSSED IN HOUSEcompared with REPORTED IN HOUSE (Sep 15, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v2 and v3 reflect the bill's procedural progression from being reported in the House to being engrossed and passed by the House, including the change from 'A BILL' to 'AN ACT' and updated procedural attestations. No substantive policy changes were made.

H.R. 2876119th CongressIntroduced Apr 10, 2025

University of Utah Research Park Act

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Dec 16, 2025

Bottom line

The bill legally solidifies the University of Utah's existing and planned uses for a significant parcel of land, removing potential ambiguities regarding its compliance with federal land conveyance requirements.

What it actually does

This bill, the "University of Utah Research Park Act," confirms the use of approximately 593.54 acres of non-Federal land in Salt Lake City, Utah, by the University of Utah for a research park and related university purposes, including student housing and a transit hub. This land was originally conveyed under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1926, and the bill explicitly validates these uses as consistent with the original act and prior Interior Department approvals.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill provides essential legal clarity and certainty for the University of Utah's long-standing research park and future development plans, such as student housing and a transit hub. They contend that confirming these uses ensures the university can continue to contribute to economic development, innovation, and educational opportunities in Utah without legal encumbrances related to the original land grant.

Opponents contend

No specific organized opposition is typically raised against bills that confirm existing land uses, especially when they align with public benefit and prior administrative approvals. Potential critics might generally express concerns about federal involvement in local land use or the scope of "related university purposes" if they were to interpret it broadly, but such arguments are not directly evident for this specific, narrow confirmation.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.

Section 2(a)(1) and (2)

Confirmation of Research Park and Related University Uses

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section explicitly confirms that the University of Utah's use of approximately 593.54 acres of land as a research park, as well as any future uses consistent with a research park and related university purposes (like student housing and a transit hub), are valid public purposes. This validation aligns with the original 1926 Recreation and Public Purposes Act under which the land was conveyed and with prior approvals from the Department of the Interior.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupUniversity of UtahImpactLegal certainty and operational flexibilityMechanismFederal statute explicitly validates existing and planned land uses.ScaleAffects the long-term planning and development of a significant university asset.

GroupStudents and FacultyImpactPotential for improved housing and transit infrastructure.MechanismUniversity can proceed with development plans without legal uncertainty.ScaleBenefits a large population within the university community.

GroupSalt Lake City CommunityImpactContinued economic development and innovation from the research park.MechanismLegal clarity supports ongoing and future research and development activities.ScalePositive regional economic and educational impact.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision removes any lingering legal ambiguities regarding the university's use of the land, ensuring that vital research, educational, and community-serving developments can proceed without federal interference or legal challenge. It upholds the spirit of the original land grant for public benefit.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it primarily serves to clarify and confirm existing, publicly beneficial land uses that have received prior administrative approval. Any general opposition would likely stem from broader philosophical disagreements about federal land management or the scope of university development, rather than the specific confirmation itself.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension, if any, is between strict adherence to original land grant terms and evolving public needs. This bill resolves that tension by explicitly confirming that modern university research park uses, including housing and transit, fall within the "public purposes" intended by the original act, thereby prioritizing flexibility for current and future public benefit.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.