SB 322 Utah Senate · 2026 General Session

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.

Issues: ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Governor

Introduced Feb 23, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to broaden its scope from 'Artificial Intelligence' to 'Educational Technology,' allowing the sandbox to include non-AI tools. The House sponsor was changed, and the regulatory authority was split: the State Board now handles rulemaking and enforcement, while the Office of Regulatory Relief handles pilot administration. A new advisory committee was created to oversee the broader regulatory sandbox program, and the sunset date for the specific AI sandbox section was adjusted.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from strictly regulating artificial intelligence systems to covering all educational technology tools, including non-AI software and platforms.

SCOPE

The title and definitions were changed from 'Artificial Intelligence' to 'Educational Technology' to include a wider range of tools beyond just AI.

ENFORCEMENT

Rulemaking authority was transferred from the Office of Regulatory Relief to the State Board of Education, while the Office retains responsibility for administering pilot applications.

REQUIREMENT

A new General Regulatory Sandbox Program Advisory Committee was established with 9 members to advise on the broader educational technology regulatory sandbox.

TIMELINE

The repeal date for the specific AI sandbox section was changed from July 1, 2031, to July 1, 2031 (no change in year, but the section title was updated to reflect the new scope).

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions for expedited application processes and joint applications for multiple school districts using the same approved technology.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026

How they voted

24–0

Passed · 5 other

Total votes 29

Mar 3, 2026

D Democratic6

5 Yea 1

83% Yea

N Forward1

1 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican22

18 Yea 4

81% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ return to Rules due to fiscal impact [House Rules Committee]

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ committee report favorable [House Education Committee]

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Education Committee]

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Committee

House/ to standing committee [House Education Committee]

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Introduced

House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (24-0-5)

senate

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate/ comm rpt/ substituted [Senate Education Committee]

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Education Committee]

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Committee

Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Education Committee]

upper

Feb 23, 2026

Introduced

Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor