1. (1)(a) A school or youth organization, as defined in Subsection (5), that sponsors a recreational or instructional fishing activity for youth may obtain a certificate of registration from the Division authorizing participating youth to fish without a license.

   1. (b) A school or youth organization may obtain a certificate of registration by submitting an online application with the Division specifying the:

      1. (i) name and address of the school or youth organization applicant, including verification it qualifies as a school or youth organization, as defined in Subsection (5);
      2. (ii) date and location of the fishing activity;
      3. (iii) fishing activity is part of a recreational or instructional program of the school or youth organization;
      4. (iv) fishing activity is officially sanctioned or authorized by the school or youth organization;

      5. (v) approximate number of youth that will participate in the fishing activity, including verification that each youth is:

         1. (A) under 16 years of age; and
         2. (B) an enrolled student in the school or a registered member of the youth organization;
      6. (vi) name, address, and age of the adult leader that will supervise the fishing activity;

      7. (vii) adult leader will:

         1. (A) possess a valid Utah fishing or combination license; and
         2. (B) provide instruction and training to the youth participants on Utah fishing laws and regulations; and

      8. (viii) adult leader has obtained from the school or youth organization a valid tour permit or written documentation that specifies:

         1. (A) the date and place of the fishing activity;
         2. (B) the name of the adult leader that will supervise the fishing activity; and
         3. (C) that the activity is officially sanctioned or authorized by the school or youth organization.

2. (2)(a) Upon receipt of a complete application from a school or youth organization and upon determination that the requirements of this Section are satisfied, the Division may issue a certificate of registration authorizing the identified youth participating in the sponsored fishing activity to fish without a license.

   1. (b) The certificate of registration will include the following information:

      1. (i) name and address of the school or youth organization.
      2. (ii) name, address, and age of the adult leader supervising the fishing activity;
      3. (iii) date of the fishing activity;
      4. (iv) location of the fishing activity; and
      5. (v) approximate number youth participating in the fishing activity.

3. (3) A youth participating in a fishing activity on a school or youth organization certificate of registration issued under this Section may fish without a license, provided:

   1. (a) the youth is:

      1. (i) a member of the youth organization or a student enrolled in the school; and
      2. (ii) younger than 16 years old; and

   2. (b) the fishing is conducted:

      1. (i) in compliance with all Utah fishing laws and regulations;
      2. (ii) on the date and at the location identified on the certificate of registration; and
      3. (iii) under the supervision of the adult leader identified on the certificate of registration.

4. (4) The adult leader supervising a youth fishing activity under this section shall:

   1. (a) be 18 years of age or older;
   2. (b) possess a valid Utah fishing or combination license;
   3. (c) provide direct supervision to the activity participants; and
   4. (d) instruct the activity participants on Utah fishing laws and regulations.

5. (5) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "School" means an elementary school or a secondary school that:

      1. (i) is a public or private school located in the state; and
      2. (ii) provides student instruction for one or more years of kindergarten through grade 9.

   2. (b) "Youth organization" means a local Utah chapter of:

      1. (i) the Boy Scouts of America;
      2. (ii) the Girls Scouts of the USA; or

      3. (iii) an organization that:

         1. (A) is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code; and
         2. (B) promotes character building through outdoor activities.

KEY: license, permit, certificate of registration

Date of Last Change: February 7, 2025

Notice of Continuation: March 15, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-4-202