HCR 7, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Elison and Sen. Evan Vickers, both representing Washington County, is a resolution updating the Zion Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan. It supports safer, better‑designed roadway access while honoring what makes this byway extraordinary—its sweeping red rock panoramas, open skies, and the small communities that serve as gateways to Zion National Park.

Several years in the making, the plan was prepared and advanced by the Zion Regional Collaborative and a byway planning team representing Washington County, Kane County, and the scenic municipalities along the corridor: La Verkin, Hurricane, Rockville, Springdale, and Virgin.

During the session, the resolution faced a temporary roadblock when the billboard industry learned of the Plan and forced further debate. Fortunately, their objections were resolved and the resolution ultimately passed — a clear win for long-term scenic preservation.

In another important win for scenic preservation, SB 219 (Highway Signage Amendments)—a billboard industry‑backed measure—failed to clear the Senate and never reached final passage. Had it passed, the bill would have further weakened Utah’s already out‑of‑compliance billboard laws, making it easier for billboard owners to relocate and rebuild signs and increasing taxpayer costs for condemned and relocated billboards.

This rare legislative setback for the outdoor advertising industry is a major victory for Utah communities and scenic advocates. Alongside Scenic Utah, opponents included the influential Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT), whose members warned that the bill would further erode municipal authority over signage and land use in favor of industry interests.

Like many failed bills, SB 219 was referred to the legislative interim study. Scenic Utah will continue to engage with lawmakers throughout the year to ensure that we remain part of this process—and to stand firmly for scenic preservation and against visual blight.