HJR 26 Utah House · 2026 General Session

Joint Resolution Amending Rules of Evidence to Address Machine-Generated Evidence

HJR 26 amends Utah's Rules of Evidence to establish new standards for admitting evidence generated by automated systems (like AI or algorithms) that make inferences or predictions. It requires such evidence to meet four criteria for admissibility: it must help the court understand the case, be based on sufficient facts, use reliable methods, and apply those methods correctly to the facts. This rule specifically excludes basic measuring devices (like speedometers or thermometers) from these requirements. The bill affects Utah courts and legal proceedings involving machine-generated evidence, ensuring such evidence meets reliability standards before being used in trials.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Last action Mar 17, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Enrolled · 4 edits · Mar 7, 2026
MODERATE
This bill formally enacts a new rule (Rule 707) into the Utah Rules of Evidence to regulate how courts handle evidence produced by machines. It defines specific terms like 'machine-generated evidence' and sets strict criteria for when such evidence can be admitted in court without an expert witness, ensuring it is reliable and based on sufficient data. The bill also clarifies that simple measuring devices are exempt from these rules.
Scope change
The bill's scope is now formally established as a permanent addition to state law, moving from a draft proposal to an enrolled, effective resolution.
DEFINITION

Added formal legal definitions for 'machine-generated evidence' (systems that make inferences) and 'simple scientific instrument' (devices that only measure data directly).

REQUIREMENT

Established a four-part test courts must use to admit machine-generated evidence without an expert: it must help the jury, be based on sufficient data, use reliable methods, and be reliably applied to the case.

ELIGIBILITY

Clarified that the new rule applies when evidence is entered directly or supported by lay testimony, but explicitly excludes simple scientific instruments.

TECHNICAL

Converted the text from a draft legislative proposal format to the official enrolled copy format used for final passage.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 6, 2026 · House Feb 27, 2026

How they voted

270
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 29
Mar 6, 2026
D Democratic6
6 Yea
100% Yea
N Forward1
1 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican22
20 Yea 2
90% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
36
Key actions
7
Committee
6
Mar 7, 2026
Lower · Passed
House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
lower
Mar 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Committee
Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Introduced
Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
House/ passed 3rd reading
upper
Feb 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
House/ committee report favorable [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]
lower
Feb 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Committee
House/ to standing committee [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors