HB 507 establishes a State Reinvestment Restricted Account to collect and manage funds from specific economic development activities. It prohibits local governments from offering incentives for large data centers (with exceptions), creates new development zones for housing, transit, and other projects, and requires counties/cities to follow specific rules for zone creation and funding. The bill sets a 2028 deadline for creating certain zones like home ownership promotion areas and coordinates with another economic development bill (H.B. 475). It affects local governments, counties, cities, and the Utah Inland Port Authority by modifying how they manage economic development projects and tax increment funds.
HB 261 amends Utah's Electronic Information Privacy Act to clarify how law enforcement agencies may access electronic data. It requires warrants for most electronic information, location data, or transmitted data during criminal investigations, directly affecting law enforcement agencies and service providers like phone companies. Key provisions prohibit law enforcement from outsourcing data collection to third parties in ways they couldn’t do themselves, and mandate that illegally obtained data - or evidence derived from it - be excluded from court, similar to constitutional violations. The bill updates definitions and procedures without appropriating new funds or creating new financial obligations.
SB 310 proposes changes to laws regarding intimate image disclosure by limiting when people can be held liable for sharing or threatening to share such images. It creates two key exceptions: disclosure isn't liable if it's already illegal under other laws, or if done for sexual arousal, humiliation, degradation, or financial gain. The bill also clarifies that disclosing intimate images of public figures doesn't automatically become a "matter of public interest." This bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee and would directly affect individuals who share intimate images, particularly concerning children and public figures.
SB 292 amends Utah's product liability laws specifically for automated driving systems (ADS), directly affecting manufacturers and developers of level 3-5 autonomous vehicles. It limits noneconomic damages in related lawsuits, creates a legal defense for companies meeting "state-of-the-art" technology standards, and restricts liability to certain claims. The bill also establishes new definitions for ADS levels and requires a sunset review of these liability provisions. These changes aim to clarify legal responsibilities as autonomous vehicle technology advances, without altering federal safety standards.
SB 162 adds a sales tax to online digital content, including subscription-based streaming services like Netflix or Spotify. It affects companies providing digital video/audio services and their customers who purchase these subscriptions. The bill clarifies that transactions already subject to a multi-channel video service tax remain exempt from this new tax. These changes update Utah's sales tax rules for digital services without requiring new state spending.
HB 408 requires social media platforms to let users transfer portions of their personal data - including connections, content, and interactions - to other platforms within five business days. It mandates real-time data sharing when users switch services, requires explicit user consent before sharing comments or interactions during transfers, and protects platforms from penalties for temporary technical issues if they make good-faith fixes. The bill clarifies that platforms must provide data in a portable, usable format but exempts them from sharing internal algorithms, derived data, or proprietary formats that lack industry standards. This directly affects Utah social media users and platforms operating in the state, focusing on user control over their digital data.
HB 144 amends Utah's school community council rules to remove outdated requirements, including digital citizenship standards, parent members who are school employees, and the development of safety principles. It adds new requirements for councils to receive annual reports on school safety practices and document specific votes. The bill directly affects school community councils in Utah public schools, which include parent and school employee members (like principals) who advise on school programs and resource use. These changes streamline council operations by eliminating certain duties while clarifying reporting and documentation processes.
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.
This bill changes Utah school device rules to ban cellphones, smart watches, and similar "emerging technology" during all school hours (including lunch, recess, and transitions), not just during instructional time. It affects all students in Utah public schools by expanding device restrictions from classroom hours to the entire school day. Exceptions allow device use for emergencies, medical needs, IEP accommodations, or the SafeUT Crisis Line. School districts must adopt policies aligning with these rules, effective July 1, 2026.
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.
