Technology

in committee · Utah · Senate Mar 7, 2026

SB 293: Consumer Pricing Data Amendments

SB 293 creates Utah's Consumer Pricing Act, prohibiting most suppliers from using consumer data to increase prices for goods or services. It directly affects businesses selling products or services, requiring them to avoid using personal data for price hikes unless specific exceptions apply. Key provisions mandate that suppliers using automatic pricing systems must retain related data for at least one year and define terms like "automatic pricing system" and "biometric data." The Division of Consumer Protection will enforce these rules, adding Chapter 82 to Utah's consumer protection laws without appropriating new funds.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologySB 293 prohibits using consumer data for price hikes, directly protecting data privacy. It mandates data retention and defines biometric data, aligning with privacy regulations in technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

Track

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 256: Identity Protection Modifications

SB 256 updates Utah's defamation laws to address AI-generated content and identity protection. It clarifies that AI-created or digitally manipulated content (like deepfakes) still falls under libel/slander laws, requires publishers to receive written notice before a lawsuit can be filed, and limits damages to actual harm if the content is removed within 10 days of notice. The bill also establishes a new right for individuals to consent to the use of their personal identity (including voice, likeness, or name) and expands "identity abuse" to include unauthorized distribution of identity-replication tools. This directly affects content creators, publishers, and anyone whose identity might be used without consent in AI-generated media. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House committee review).

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyClarifies AI-generated content under defamation laws, requires notice before lawsuits, limits damages for prompt removal, and establishes consent rights - protecting against deepfakes and enhancing data privacy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

passed · Utah · Senate Mar 7, 2026

SB 322: Educational Technology Regulatory Sandbox

SB 322 creates a regulatory sandbox in Utah public schools to safely test educational AI tools under new safety standards. It directly affects public schools, educators, students, and edtech vendors by requiring safety testing, parental opt-out rights, and prohibitions against AI simulating personal relationships with students. Key provisions include mandatory evidence-based evaluations, transparency requirements for vendors, integration with existing student data privacy laws (Title 53E), and a five-year sunset. The bill establishes new oversight through an Education Technology Advisory Council and limits the State Board of Education’s role in approving pilot programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates regulatory sandbox for safe AI testing in schools, mandates safety standards and parental opt-out, advancing educational technology use while protecting students.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires safety testing, parental opt-out, and integrates with data privacy laws (Title 53E) for AI in education, advancing responsible tech use and privacy protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

Track

signed · Utah · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 450: Data Privacy Amendments

HB 450 amends Utah's Government Data Privacy Act and Government Records Access and Management Act to strengthen state data privacy oversight. It restructures the Utah Privacy Commission to include state agencies, cities, counties, and education representatives, transfers oversight to a new Utah Office of Data Privacy, and creates a data privacy ombudsman to handle complaints. The bill requires joint studies on government use of passive data collection technology and removes duplicative rules while expanding correction procedures beyond personal data. These changes directly affect Utah state and local government entities that collect or manage public data.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStrengthens data privacy oversight via new Office of Data Privacy and ombudsman, aligning with consumer protection indicators in tech policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 290: Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments

SB 290 strengthens privacy protections for victims and witnesses in Utah criminal cases by regulating access to their nonpublic electronic data, such as personal messages or intimate images shared with law enforcement. It requires law enforcement to implement secure "virtual rooms" for defendants' attorneys to review sensitive data without copying it, creates a presumption against disclosing intimate images, and mandates clear disclosure of devices used in investigations. The bill directly affects victims/witnesses (who gain greater control over their private information), law enforcement (who must adopt new policies), and defendants (who must seek court approval to access nonpublic data). Key provisions include defining "nonpublic victim or witness data," requiring prosecutors to notify defendants about device searches, and limiting data sharing to specific court-approved scenarios. The bill makes no changes to existing evidence disclosure rules under Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly strengthens victim/witness privacy protections in criminal cases, aligning with civil rights and fair judicial procedures within criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for electronic data via secure virtual rooms and restrictions on intimate image disclosure, directly advancing electronic privacy within technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 292: Autonomous Systems Amendments

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.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyLimits liability for autonomous vehicle manufacturers, favoring tech companies over consumer protection in product liability cases.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationLimits liability for autonomous vehicle manufacturers, reducing legal barriers to advance ADS technology in transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles

introduced · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HJR 27: Joint Resolution Regarding Digital Asset Custody

Utah's HJR 27 is a joint resolution urging federal lawmakers to establish a national regulatory framework allowing banks and credit unions to safely custody digital assets like cryptocurrencies. It states current regulatory gaps prevent traditional financial institutions from offering secure custody services, increasing risks of fraud and hacking for customers. The resolution specifically calls for federal permission for these institutions to partner with regulated crypto firms and provide custody options. This would keep digital asset management within Utah's regulated financial institutions rather than offshore exchanges, aligning with Utah's fintech leadership.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyUrges federal framework enabling banks to securely custody digital assets, reducing fraud/hacking risks via enhanced cybersecurity measures95% confidence

Track

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 275: State-Endorsed Digital Identity Program Amendments

SB 275 creates Utah's State-Endorsed Digital Identity Program, managed by the Department of Government Operations. It establishes a digital identity bill of rights, sets standards for verifying identities, and allows state-verified digital IDs to be used as proof of age (e.g., for purchasing alcohol or tobacco). The program requires government agencies, healthcare providers, and digital wallet services to follow specific security and privacy rules when processing these identities. It does not create new costs, as no funding is appropriated, and replaces outdated electronic ID provisions upon sunset review.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes digital identity bill of rights and mandates security/privacy rules for agencies handling identities, directly protecting data privacy and cybersecurity.95% confidence

signed · Utah · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 507: State Coordination of Regional and Local Economic Development Projects Amendments

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.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits local tax incentives for large data centers, restricting local taxation policy per bill's explicit language.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates housing development zones, home ownership promotion areas, and funds through Reinvestment Account targeting affordable housing development.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits local incentives for large data centers, restricting tech infrastructure development without addressing privacy/cybersecurity.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly creates new development zones for 'transit' projects and requires coordination for transit infrastructure, advancing transportation planning and funding mechanisms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Development Ports Tags Economic Development

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 298: Programmable Money Amendments

SB 298, the "Programmable Money Amendments," modifies Utah's Uniform Commercial Code to regulate digital payment methods (like digital tokens or programmable currency). It directly affects businesses that issue or accept programmable money by requiring them to offer free non-digital payment options and banning discrimination based on political views, religion, medical history, or lawful firearm ownership. The bill prohibits denying transactions due to environmental/social/governance compliance or diversity programming, mandates written explanations for denied transactions within 30 days, and allows affected parties to seek punitive damages or revoke an issuer’s license. It explicitly clarifies that the law does not restrict cryptocurrency purchases or sales by any party.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires free non-digital payment options and bans discrimination in digital transactions, promoting fair access and consumer protection in digital payments.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology