VIDEO: High-risk, fire-prone properties should expect added fees and assessments in the coming months under House Bill 48.
The bill, HB 48, titled โWildland Urban Interface Modifications,โ was passed during the 2025 General Legislative Session in Utah.
Under the bill, the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands would assess homes for fire risk.
They would give a flat-rate fee based on square footage, unless the homeowner completed recommended mitigation, which would lower the fee.
โI think the state generally is trying to be proactive to help both insurance companies and residents to make sure that they can maintain insurability,โ said Matt Child, CEO of Utah Independent Agents.
The law goes into effect in January 2026, according to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and Lands.
โThe state is going to go in and inspect all these properties,โ Child said. โThey can compel people through the fine system to harden their home against property, whether that be changing their fence, clearing brush, et cetera.โ
