HB 319 allows Utah counties to accept digitally authenticated documents (like e-signatures) instead of traditional notarized documents for recording. It requires counties to get approval from the State Archives before implementation, ensuring digital records meet security, retention, and preservation standards. The bill establishes that digitally authenticated records have the same legal standing as notarized documents when all requirements are met. This directly affects county recorders, document creators (such as real estate agents), and anyone submitting records to county offices. The law makes no changes to funding or fees but updates state code to reflect electronic record standards.
SB 267 requires Utah's State Board of Education to study how software and digital services are used in public schools, focusing on educational effectiveness, design, and data practices. The bill mandates the board to review best practices, publish guidance for responsible software use, and report findings to the Education Interim Committee upon request. It directly affects public schools, educators, and software providers by establishing standards for evaluating educational technology. The bill defines key terms like "academically effective" software but does not fund new programs or change current classroom practices. (4 sentences)
HB 498 amends Utah's App Store Accountability Act to strengthen protections for minors. It requires app stores to implement clearer age ratings, provide detailed content descriptions to parents, and obtain verifiable parental consent before allowing in-app purchases for users under 18. The bill adds new rules for pre-installed applications (excluding core device functions) and defines "minor accounts" requiring parent affiliation. These changes directly affect app store providers, developers, and parents managing children's mobile device usage, with enforcement handled by Utah's Division of Consumer Protection.
HB 273 requires Utah's State Board of Education to develop model policies for technology and artificial intelligence use in public schools, directly affecting all Utah public schools, teachers, and students. Key provisions include adding artificial intelligence standards to core computer science curriculum, establishing grade-level technology use requirements, creating a model for balanced technology integration, and allowing high schools to offer AI-focused "sandbox" courses. The bill also mandates reporting on implementation and exempts certain student groups from grade-level tech requirements, with no new state funding allocated.
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.
HB 147 requires Utah state and local government entities (including counties, cities, school districts, and state agencies) to provide electronic options for submitting forms, records, and information instead of requiring in-person visits or physical copies. It mandates electronic submission methods like online entry, digital signing, or email uploads, with specific exceptions for cases where federal/state law requires in-person submission or fingerprints are needed for background checks. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2027, and does not appropriate funds.
SB 108 prevents Utah cities and counties from creating rules for online marketplaces like Etsy or Airbnb. It specifically blocks local governments from regulating how these platforms operate or demanding user data without a court order. The law allows exceptions for short-term rental rules and for regulating people who use the platforms, not the platforms themselves.
HB 182 prohibits Utah medical and genomic research facilities from using genetic sequencers or software developed by foreign adversaries (as defined by federal law) or storing genetic data within foreign adversary countries. It requires facilities to certify compliance with these rules by December 2028 and every decade thereafter, while banning remote access to non-public genetic data by entities in foreign adversary nations without written approval. Violations carry $10,000 fines per instance, enforced by the attorney general, who may also pursue civil actions for damages. The bill protects employees who report suspected violations to the attorney general from workplace retaliation. It takes effect January 1, 2028.
SB 123 amends Utah's cybersecurity law to expand the Utah Cyber Center's responsibilities and structure. It requires the Center to collaborate with the Department of Environmental Quality and include local education agencies in its cybersecurity efforts, while adding a representative from the Utah Education and Telehealth Network to the Cybersecurity Commission. The bill changes the deadline for the statewide cybersecurity plan to January 1, 2027, and creates a restricted account for nonlapsing funds to support cybersecurity tools, incident response, and strategic planning using existing and future funding sources without new legislative appropriations. These changes directly affect the Cyber Center, local education agencies, and the Cybersecurity Commission.
SB 38 reorganizes Utah's consumer protection laws by renaming and renumbering existing chapters, such as moving the Health Spa Services Act to "Fitness Center Services," and adds a new Chapter 77 specifically requiring generative AI service providers to disclose certain information to consumers. It updates registration and reporting rules for businesses, clarifies the Division of Consumer Protection's enforcement authority, and specifies when the division may deny or revoke business registrations. The bill directly affects businesses operating in regulated sectors like credit services, charitable solicitations, fitness centers, and now AI service providers. Key changes include mandatory AI disclosures, updated surety bond requirements, and streamlined processes for maintaining registration with the division.