News Utah Governor Signs Nine AI Bills April 2026
April 25, 2026 — Utah Governor Spencer Cox Signs Nine AI Bills into Law, Establishing Comprehensive State Framework
Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed nine artificial intelligence-related bills into law during April 2026, making Utah one of the most active states in AI regulation this year.[1] The legislation covers deepfakes, consumer protection, education policy, and government oversight, representing the largest single-state AI legislative package enacted in 2026.
Key Legislation Signed
HB 276: Digital Voyeurism Prevention Act
The Digital Voyeurism Prevention Act prohibits AI generation services from distributing counterfeit intimate images without verified consent. The law requires disclosure of provenance data by large online platforms, establishes notice and takedown procedures, and provides safe harbor protections for platforms with reasonable safeguards.[1][2] Enforcement is handled by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.[3]
HB 320: Office of AI Policy Amendments
This legislation strengthens Utah's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy oversight capabilities, expanding the state's ability to govern AI systems deployed in government operations and consumer-facing applications.[1]
SB 256: Deepfakes and Defamation
Sponsored by Senator Kirk Cullimore and Representative Jordan Teuscher, SB 256 amends libel and slander laws to explicitly cover AI-generated content. The law limits recovery to actual damages if publishers remove content within 10 days of notice and creates an exclusive right to consent to use of personal identity.[1][2]
HB 273: Balance Act (School AI Policies)
The Balance Act requires local education agencies to develop model policies for AI and technology use in classrooms through the State Board of Education. The legislation also expands computer science standards to include AI instruction and appropriate use guidelines.[1]
Additional Signed Bills
Other AI-related legislation signed by Governor Cox includes bills addressing screen time, digital safety, and cell phone restrictions in schools.[4]
National Context
Utah's legislative package brings the total number of new AI laws enacted in 2026 to approximately 25 nationwide, up from just six at the beginning of March.[5] The state joins California, Tennessee, and Colorado in establishing comprehensive AI regulatory frameworks.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Utah Legislators Cap Session with Nine AI Bills Passed - Transparency Coalition, April 2026
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Analyzing Utah and Washington's New AI Laws - JD Supra
- ↑ Utah Governor Signs Bill 276 AI Counterfeit Images - DataGuidance
- ↑ Gov. Cox Signs 72 Bills in the 2026 General Legislative Session - Utah Governor's Office
- ↑ The AI Governance Watch: April 2026 - Plural Policy