Off-road vehicle bill passes AZ House of Reps.

UPDATE, 3/12: Arizona Republic editorial

PHOENIX -- A bi-partisan compromise bill I've been working on and supporting (HB 2573, also known as the off-highway vehicle, user fee bill) passed the Arizona House of Representatives today, by a vote of 43 to 13.

House Bill 2573 would be a step forward to provide resources to better manage off-road vehicle (ORV) use in Arizona while protecting wildlife habitat.

ORVs have seen an increase in usage in Arizona in the last few years, but law enforcement has lagged far behind. Through this legislation, dollars would be provided by a nominal user fee to create new law enforcement positions, new land and habitat mitigation for damaged use areas, and better planned trails.

The bill now heads to the Arizona Senate for consideration.

- adapted from AZGFD