Rep. Jefferson Moss

Maddy summarySB 277 replaces Utah's State Records Committee with a new Government Records Office (GRO) within the Division of Archives and Records Service. The GRO is led by a director (an attorney with government records law expertise) appointed by the governor with Senate approval, who takes over all committee duties - including handling appeals under the Government Records Access and Management Act. The bill integrates the government records ombudsman as a GRO employee, grants the director rulemaking authority, and coordinates with related legislation (SB 163) to resolve conflicts. This change primarily affects state agencies and records officers managing public records under Utah's government records laws.

Maddy summarySB 226 requires businesses using generative artificial intelligence (like chatbots) in consumer transactions to disclose to customers when they are interacting with AI (not a human) if the customer explicitly asks. It specifically applies to companies and regulated professionals (such as those in finance, healthcare, or legal services) using AI for "high-risk" interactions like financial advice or medical recommendations. The bill mandates clear upfront disclosure - verbally for conversations and in writing for messages - and creates a "safe harbor" for businesses that provide transparent AI identification. Violations can result in enforcement actions by Utah's Division of Consumer Protection, including fines up to $2,500 per violation, while making companies liable for AI-driven violations of consumer law.

Maddy summarySB 137 creates a new online course choice program specifically for Utah private school and home-schooled students. It allows eligible students (those with Utah-resident parents enrolled in private school or home school) to earn high school or middle school credits through approved online courses, including blended learning, without using public school resources. The program must be run by an independent contractor hired by the State Board of Education, with separate funding from public education programs, and requires the contractor to approve course providers, oversee courses, and report annually. This bill expands course access options beyond public school offerings while maintaining distinct funding and administrative oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 444 amends Utah's government data privacy laws to update requirements for state agencies. It defines key terms like "personal identifying information," modifies how agencies must provide privacy notices (including for websites), and updates data breach notification rules. The bill also renames and clarifies the role of the state privacy auditor and makes minor technical adjustments to existing privacy statutes. These changes apply directly to Utah state agencies managing public records and personal data, without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 496 makes minor technical corrections to the Utah Code to fix outdated references, redundant language, numbering errors, and cross-references. It specifically updates the Sunset Act and Repeal Dates by Title Act to remove expired provisions that had already taken effect. The bill affects numerous Utah Code sections (listed in the bill text) but does not create new policies or require funding. It includes a coordination clause to resolve conflicts with other legislation passed during the 2025 General Session. This is a routine administrative update to maintain clarity in state law, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 452 regulates mental health chatbots using artificial intelligence in Utah. It prohibits suppliers from selling or sharing users' personally identifiable health information or user input with third parties (with limited exceptions for healthcare providers or health plans), requires clear disclosures to users, and mandates specific policies for chatbot operations. The Division of Consumer Protection enforces these rules, with suppliers complying with requirements facing a rebuttable presumption of compliance. The bill directly affects mental health chatbot providers operating in Utah, ensuring user data privacy and transparency in AI-driven mental health services.

Maddy summarySB 162 "Talent Connect" creates a statewide talent portal to connect Utah employers with students from specific public universities (Weber State, University of Utah, Southern Utah, Utah State, Utah Tech, and Utah Valley) for high-demand jobs. The portal requires mobile access, integrates with state labor market data, and defines high-demand jobs based on growth rate, wages above the state median, and societal impact. It mandates a cooperative education program where employers provide full-time paid work experiences with academic credit, dual mentorship, and annual reporting on program outcomes. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the Income Tax Fund for implementation and requires the portal to update job categories annually based on market trends.

Maddy summarySB 180 requires Utah law enforcement agencies to create policies governing the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by officers. It mandates that any police report or record partially or fully generated by AI must include a clear disclaimer and a certification from the author confirming they reviewed it for accuracy. The bill defines key terms like "generative AI" and specifies that policies must outline permitted uses, training for staff, and consequences for policy violations. These requirements aim to increase transparency and accountability when AI tools are used in official law enforcement documentation.

Maddy summarySB 215 requires Utah counties and municipalities to ensure a minimum level of ground ambulance services for transporting patients between medical facilities. Local governments must conduct four-year reviews of ambulance providers using competitive bidding, offer current 911 ambulance providers first right to continue service, and share interlocal agreements with healthcare facilities. The bill removes the state Bureau of Emergency Medical Services from selecting providers (except to verify qualifications) but grants the Bureau investigative authority and class B misdemeanor penalties for ignoring subpoenas or cease-and-desist orders. This directly affects local governments and ambulance service providers without adding new state funding.

Maddy summarySB 263 is a technical correction bill that updates references and formatting within Utah's Municipal Code (Title 10). It replaces outdated terms like "this act" with specific citations to relevant code sections, updates effective dates to match referenced legislation, and removes obsolete language. The bill does not create new policies, impose costs, or directly affect residents or municipalities - its sole purpose is to improve the clarity and accuracy of the existing code. This procedural update applies to 41 specific sections of the Utah Municipal Code.