Utah 2026 General Session Status: Enacted 2 R cosponsors

SB 256 — Identity Protection Modifications

Last action — Governor Signed

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 05, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Spencer Cox (Republican) on March 26, 2026.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 R).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

221 added · 224 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendments to Bill SB 256 clarify that defamation laws now specifically apply to content generated by artificial intelligence, ensuring that the origin of such content cannot be used as a defense against libel or slander claims. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for individuals to notify publishers before pursuing legal action for defamatory digitally created content. These changes matter because they enhance protections for individuals' reputations in the age of advanced technology, while also providing a clearer process for addressing potential defamation.

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SB0256S01 compared with SB0256 {Omitted text} shows text that was in SB0256 but was omitted in SB0256S01 inserted text shows text that was not in SB0256 but was inserted into SB0256S01 DISCLAIMER:
Enrolled Copy S.B.
This document is provided to assist you in your comparison of the two bills.
256 Identity Protection Modifications GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
Sometimes this automated comparison will NOT be completely accurate.
Therefore, you need to read the actual bills.
This automatically generated document could contain inaccuracies caused by:
limitations of the compare program;
bad input data;
or other causes.
Identity Protection Modifications GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
3 LONG TITLE General Description:
Jordan D.
Teuscher 3 LONG TITLE General Description:
▸ establishes an exclusive {property right in } right to consent to the use of an individual's personal identity;
▸ establishes an exclusive right to consent to the use of an individual's personal identity;
S B ▸ expands the definition of abuse of personal identity to include unauthorized distrib2tion and trafficking in identity-replication tools;
▸ expands the definition of abuse of personal identity to include unauthorized distribution and trafficking in identity-replication tools;
5 SB0256 compared with SB0256S01 ▸ provides exemptions for certain uses of personal identity;
▸ provides exemptions for certain uses of personal identity;
45-3-2 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 45-3-3 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 45-3-4 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 45-3-5 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 45-3-6 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 1981, Chapter 95 45-3-7 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 ENACTS:
45-3-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 S.B.
45-2-3.5 , Utah Code Annotated 1953 45-2-14 , Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
256 Enrolled Copy 45-3-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 45-3-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 45-3-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 45-3-6, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1981, Chapter 95 45-3-7, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 472 ENACTS:
45-2-3.5, Utah Code Annotated 1953 45-2-14, Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1 is enacted to read:
Section 45-2-3.5 is enacted to read:
45-2-3.5.
45-2-3.5 .
(2) It is not a defense to a claim of libel or slander {under this chapter } that the communication:
(2) It is not a defense to a claim of libel or slander that the communication:
Section 2 is enacted to read:
Section 45-2-14 is enacted to read:
45-2-14.
45-2-14 .
- 2 - SB0256 compared with SB0256S01 (a) "Digitally created content" means content created through generative artificial intelligence, computer animation, digital manipulation, or other technological means.
(a) "Digitally created content" means content created through generative artificial intelligence, computer animation, digital manipulation, or other technological means.
(4) In an action brought under this chapter, an individual may recover only actual damages if the person who published or caused the publication of the digitally created content removes the content within 10 days after the day on which the person receives notice under Subsection (2).
- 2 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
256 (4) In an action brought under this chapter, an individual may recover only actual damages if the person who published or caused the publication of the digitally created content removes the content within 10 days after the day on which the person receives notice under Subsection (2).
45-3-2.
45-3-2 .
(3) (a) "Consent" means an individual's voluntary agreement to the use of that individual's personal identity.
(3)(a) "Consent" means an individual's voluntary agreement to the use of that individual's personal identity.
- 3 - SB0256 compared with SB0256S01 (b) "Consent" may not be inferred by the failure of the individual to request that the individual's personal identity not be used or that the individual's name be removed from a mailing or supporter list.
(b) "Consent" may not be inferred by the failure of the individual to request that the individual's personal identity not be used or that the individual's name be removed from a mailing or supporter list.
[(b) is designed to simulate human conversation with a consumer through one or more of the following:] [(i) text;] [(ii) audio;
[(b) is designed to simulate human conversation with a consumer through one or more of the following:] - 3 - S.B.
256 Enrolled Copy [(i) text;] [(ii) audio;
(8) (a) "Personal identity" means an individual's:
(8)(a) "Personal identity" means an individual's:
- 4 - SB0256 compared with SB0256S01 (i) generative artificial intelligence;
(i) generative artificial intelligence;
(10) "Right holder" means the individual or a person to whom the individual's {property } right in the individual's personal identity has descended or been transferred, including an executor, successor, heir, assignee, licensee, or devisee of the individual.
(10) "Right holder" means the individual or a person to whom the individual's right in the individual's personal identity has descended or been transferred, including an executor, successor, heir, assignee, licensee, or devisee of the individual.
45-3-3.
45-3-3 .
(1) (a) Subject to other provisions of this chapter, each individual has {an } the exclusive {property } right {in } to consent to the use of the individual's personal identity.
- 4 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
(b) The {property } right described in Subsection (1)(a):
256 (1)(a) Subject to other provisions of this chapter, each individual has the exclusive right to consent to the use of the individual's personal identity.
(b) The right described in Subsection (1)(a):
- 5 - SB0256 compared with SB0256S01 (2) Except for purposes of the criminal penalty in Section 76-12-304, the personal identity of an individual is abused if:
(2) Except for purposes of the criminal penalty in Section 76-12-304, the personal identity of an individual is abused if:
(a) (i) content containing the personal identity of an individual is used for purposes of:
(a)(i) content containing the personal identity of an individual is used for purposes of:
(i) by the individual, if the individual is living;
- 5 - S.B.
Show all 54 changed rows (14 more)
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256 Enrolled Copy (i) by the individual, if the individual is living;
- 6 - SB0256 compared with SB0256S01 (b) is used to preview, advertise, or promote the sale of a product, service, or subscription, including the sale of a product, service, or subscription of which the individual's personal data or publicly available information is or may be a part;
(b) is used to preview, advertise, or promote the sale of a product, service, or subscription, including the sale of a product, service, or subscription of which the individual's personal data or publicly available information is or may be a part;
45-3-4.
45-3-4 .
45-3-5.
45-3-5 .
(1) An individual whose personal identity has been abused under Section 45-3-3 of this [act] chapter, or a right holder of that individual, may bring an action against a person who published the advertisement or content:
(1) An individual whose personal identity has been abused under Section 45-3-3 of this [act] chapter, or a right holder of that individual, may bring an action against a person who - 6 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
256 published the advertisement or content:
45-3-6.
45-3-6 .
This [act] chapter does not limit or supersede any causes of action otherwise available to - 7 - SB0256 compared with SB0256S01 the parties.
This [act] chapter does not limit or supersede any causes of action otherwise available to the parties.
45-3-7.
45-3-7 .
(a) connection with a {bona fide }news, public affairs, or sports broadcast, including the promotion of and advertising for a sports broadcast[,] {o} orr an account of public interest[, or a political campaign];
(a) connection with a news, public affairs, or sports broadcast, including the promotion of and advertising for a sports broadcast[,] or an account of public interest[, or a political campaign];
(3) This [part] chapter may not apply to, and nothing in this [part] chapter may be construed to impose liability or culpability on, an interactive computer service, as defined in 47 U.S.C.
- 7 - S.B.
256 Enrolled Copy (3) This [part] chapter may not apply to, and nothing in this [part] chapter may be construed to impose liability or culpability on, an interactive computer service, as defined in 47 U.S.C.
Effective date.
2-24-26 1:48 PM - 8 -
- 8 -
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How this bill changes current law

3 changes Share ↗

Compared against the Utah Code as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies definitions related to personal identity and abuse, clarifies defamation laws concerning AI-generated content, and establishes additional rights regarding consent for the use of personal identity.

  • 45-3-2

    the public at large or to a significant portion thereof → another person

    This change clarifies that the definition of 'publish' includes communication to any individual rather than just the public at large.

  • 45-3-3

    the personal identity of an individual is abused if: content containing the personal identity of an individual is used for purposes of: advertising products, merchandise, goods, or services; fundraising; solicitation of donations; or purchases of products, merchandise, goods, or services; the use: expresses or implies that the individual approves, endorses, has endorsed, or will endorse the specific subject matter; creates a likelihood of confusion as to the participation, association, or connection of the individual; or creates a false impression that the individual participated in or approved the use; and consent has not been obtained from the individual; → the personal identity of an individual is abused if: (i) content containing the personal identity of an individual is used for purposes of: (A) advertising products, merchandise, goods, or services; (B) fundraising; (C) solicitation of donations; or (D) purchases of products, merchandise, goods, or services; and consent has not been obtained from the individual;

    This change simplifies the definition of abuse of personal identity by removing redundant clauses regarding consent and approval.

  • 45-3-3

    the person knowingly distributes, sells, or licenses any technology, software, or tool whose intended primary purpose is the unauthorized creation or modification of content that includes an individual's personal identity[ for commercial purposes]. → the person knowingly distributes, sells, or licenses any technology, software, or tool whose intended primary purpose is the unauthorized creation or modification of content that includes an individual's personal identity.

    This change clarifies the language regarding the distribution of technology related to personal identity without the qualifier of it being for commercial purposes.

Amendments

1 amendment

Click Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.

Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Senate/ to Governor

  3. Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing

  4. Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing

  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

  7. Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling

  8. Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling

  9. Senate/ received from House

  10. House/ to Senate

  11. House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate

  12. House/ passed 3rd reading

  13. House/ 3rd reading

  14. House/ 2nd reading

  15. House/ committee report favorable [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]

  16. House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]

  17. House/ to standing committee [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]

  18. House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  19. House/ received from Senate

  20. Senate/ to House

  21. Senate/ passed 3rd reading

  22. Senate/ uncircled

  23. Senate/ circled

  24. Senate/ 3rd reading

  25. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0256S01

  26. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0256S01

  27. Senate/ passed 2nd reading

  28. Senate/ substituted

  29. Senate/ uncircled

  30. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0256S01

  31. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0256S01

  32. Senate/ circled

  33. Senate/ 2nd reading

  34. Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar

  35. Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

  36. Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

  37. Senate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst

  38. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0256

  39. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0256

  40. Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

  41. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  42. Senate/ received bill from Legislative Research

  43. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0256

  44. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0256

  45. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed

  46. Bill Numbered but not Distributed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 102 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (102)

102 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety technology
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 256?
SB 256 is sponsored by Jordan D. Teuscher (Republican) and Kirk A. Cullimore (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 256?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 05, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 256?
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