HB 320 Utah House · 2026 General Session

Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy Amendments

HB 320 amends Utah's existing Artificial Intelligence Policy framework by clarifying definitions (like "artificial intelligence" and "regulatory mitigation agreement"), updating the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy's duties, and modifying the Artificial Intelligence Learning Laboratory Program. The bill establishes a structured process for AI companies to test new technologies under temporary regulatory flexibility (via "regulatory mitigation agreements") while requiring them to report findings and safeguard consumer data. It directly affects state agencies managing AI regulation, AI developers participating in the Learning Laboratory, and Utah consumers through future policy guidance. The Office must annually report program outcomes and policy recommendations to the legislature, with no new funding requested.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Jan 22, 2026 Signed Mar 18, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Amended Excerpts 2/5/2026 10:02:948 → Amended 2/5/2026 10:02:948 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates the definitions and structure of Utah's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, replacing the previous 'learning laboratory' terminology with a broader 'learning laboratory program.' It reorganizes the statute by renumbering sections and clarifies terms like 'agency' and 'participant' to ensure consistent application of new AI regulations.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope by formally defining the 'Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy' and its relationship with state agencies and governmental entities, while shifting the program name from 'learning laboratory' to 'learning laboratory program.'

DEFINITION

Updated definitions for 'Agency,' 'Office,' and 'Learning laboratory' to align with the new statutory structure and broader program scope.

Added specific definitions for 'Demonstration period' and 'Joint interpretation agreement' to clarify how regulatory exceptions and legal interpretations are handled.

REQUIREMENT

Reorganized the statute by renumbering sections (e.g., 13-72-302 through 13-72-305 are now 13-72-401 through 13-72-403) to reflect the creation of the new Office.

TECHNICAL

Removed references to specific demonstration period timelines (e.g., 'initial 12-month') and replaced them with ongoing regulatory frameworks.

Introduced → Enrolled · 6 edits · Mar 18, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and its Learning Laboratory Program by clarifying definitions, streamlining eligibility criteria for participants, and establishing a structured process for temporary regulatory waivers. It replaces vague terms with specific requirements for safety and consumer benefits, sets a 12-month limit on testing agreements with a single possible extension, and clarifies that the state assumes no liability for participant activities. These changes aim to create a safer, more transparent environment for testing AI technologies while protecting consumers and the public.

Scope change

The bill's scope is refined to focus specifically on the Department of Commerce's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and its associated learning laboratory, removing references to other agencies and clarifying the relationship between the office, relevant agencies, and governmental entities.

DEFINITION

Updated definitions to replace 'Applicant' with 'Participant' and clarified the scope of 'Regulatory mitigation agreement' to include specific conditions like cure periods and reduced fines.

ELIGIBILITY

Added specific eligibility requirements for participants, including proof of technical expertise, sufficient financial resources, and a plan to minimize risks.

REQUIREMENT

Established a formal 'learning agenda' process where the office must consult with industry leaders, academics, and stakeholders to determine research priorities.

ENFORCEMENT

Clarified that the office can terminate agreements at any time without cause and explicitly stated that participation does not constitute state endorsement or approval.

TIMELINE

Set a maximum 12-month duration for demonstration periods with a single 12-month extension allowed, ensuring temporary testing does not become permanent.

TECHNICAL

Renumbered several code sections and repealed an outdated section regarding participation in the learning laboratory.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 27, 2026 · House Feb 17, 2026

How they voted

28–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 29

Feb 27, 2026

D Democratic6

6 Yea

100% Yea

N Forward1

1 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican22

21 Yea 1

95% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 18, 2026

Signed into law

Governor Signed

executive

Mar 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling

lower

Feb 27, 2026

Lower · Passed

Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House

lower

Feb 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

upper

Feb 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee]

upper

Feb 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee]

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Committee

Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee]

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Introduced

Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

House/ passed 3rd reading

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ comm rpt/ amended [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]

lower

Feb 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]

lower

Feb 5, 2026

Introduced

House Comm - Amendment Recommendation [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

House/ to standing committee [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Introduced

House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor