After President Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order aimed at preempting state control over artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, concerns emerged among Utah’s political leaders. Although state officials expressed apprehension, they remain committed to advancing efforts to regulate AI, especially concerning its use by children.
Utah’s government has historically promoted both AI innovation and regulation. On one hand, it encourages energy expansion to support data centers, which are essential for AI infrastructure, and on the other hand, it has raised concerns about the mental health impact of AI technologies like social media. The state has already taken steps to regulate harmful AI practices such as deepfakes and AI-driven chatbots used for legal and mental health advice.
Utah’s Political Stance on AI Regulation
The Republican-majority Utah Legislature, along with Governor Spencer Cox, has made it clear that they will not back down from their plans to regulate AI technologies. They argue that while national frameworks are needed, they should be developed through the legislative process, ensuring transparency and debate. This stance is particularly important for state-level AI regulation, which is seen as essential for addressing local issues such as child safety and mental health.
Rep. Doug Fiefia, a prominent figure in Utah’s AI policy discussions, co-chairs a national task force on state AI regulation. He described the executive order as an overreach, emphasizing that it undermines the Tenth Amendment and the states’ constitutional role in regulating technology. Fiefia believes that AI is evolving rapidly, and states must be able to quickly adapt their policies to meet local needs, as they are in a better position to understand and address specific challenges.
Senator Kirk Cullimore’s Take on the Executive Order
Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore expressed cautious optimism about the executive order, believing it would not hinder Utah’s ability to regulate AI. Cullimore argued that the order primarily targets states like California, Colorado, and New York, which are focusing on regulating AI models in ways that could hinder innovation. He referenced Colorado’s stance against “algorithmic discrimination” in AI systems as an example of a regulatory approach that may not align with Utah’s priorities.
Cullimore also believes that the executive order creates a task force to review and challenge state laws, which could open the door for future state regulation of AI. However, he remains wary of executive orders acting as legislation, which he sees as an improper use of executive power. He is also concerned about the potential limits on state authority to regulate AI’s interaction with consumers and businesses—an area traditionally managed at the state level.
Utah’s AI Efforts Moving Forward
Despite these concerns, Utah lawmakers, including Cullimore, are determined to continue working on policies that regulate AI technologies in ways that safeguard consumer interests. The state has already encouraged the development of AI technologies like therapy chatbots, which have been studied at an AI learning lab to inform future policy decisions. Cullimore believes that appropriate regulation will not stifle innovation but rather foster a safer environment for AI development.
Governor Cox also expressed his reservations about the executive order, suggesting that it does not strike the right balance. He advocated for a framework that prioritizes human flourishing, child protection, and American competitiveness. Cox emphasized that states must play a role in safeguarding families and children from potential AI risks while supporting technological advancement.
