View source for 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.<ref name="transparency">[https://www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/utah-legislators-cap-session-with-nine-ai-bills-passed Utah Legislators Cap Session with Nine AI Bills Passed - Transparency Coalition, April 2026]</ref> 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.<ref name="transparency"/><ref name="jdutra">[https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/analyzing-utah-and-washington-s-new-ai-2439325/ Analyzing Utah and Washington's New AI Laws - JD Supra]</ref> Enforcement is handled by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.<ref name="dataguidance">[https://www.dataguidance.com/news/utah-governor-signs-bill-276-ai-counterfeit-images Utah Governor Signs Bill 276 AI Counterfeit Images - DataGuidance]</ref>

=== 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.<ref name="transparency"/>

=== 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.<ref name="transparency"/><ref name="jdutra"/>

=== 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.<ref name="transparency"/>

== Additional Signed Bills ==

Other AI-related legislation signed by Governor Cox includes bills addressing screen time, digital safety, and cell phone restrictions in schools.<ref name="govutah">[https://governor.utah.gov/uncategorized/gov-cox-signs-72-bills-in-the-2026-general-legislative-session/ Gov. Cox Signs 72 Bills in the 2026 General Legislative Session - Utah Governor's Office]</ref>

== 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.<ref name="plural">[https://pluralpolicy.com/blog/the-ai-governance-watch-april-2026-nineteen-new-ai-bills-passed-into-law/ The AI Governance Watch: April 2026 - Plural Policy]</ref> The state joins California, Tennessee, and Colorado in establishing comprehensive AI regulatory frameworks.

== References ==
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[[Category:State Legislation]]
[[Category:Transparency]]
[[Category:Deepfakes]]
[[Category:Child Safety]]
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Consumer Protection]]