AskAI Legislative Snapshot &#8211; Utah, Feb 12 &#8211; 19, 2026

The summary below was generated by AskAI, an artificial intelligence tool from FastDemocracy, trained on transcripts generated from publicly-available video and audio recordings of official government debate, made using TranscriptAI.

To learn more about AskAI and Transcript AI, or any of FastDemocracy’s other legislative tracking tools, reach out to nicole@fastdemocracy.com or click here.

Here are the most discussed topics in Utah this week:

Surveillance Technology and Data Privacy: Discussions in the House Political Subdivisions Committee on February 18, 2026, focused on transparency and public oversight of surveillance technologies. It was noted that more than 80% of Utahns support public hearings before state or local governments implement or expand technologies like facial recognition or license plate readers. Debates included the level of detail required for public disclosure without revealing law enforcement’s “operational tactics” or “trade secrets.” Concerns were also raised about data collected by state websites being tracked and sold to aggregators, highlighting Utah’s efforts to protect individual privacy.
Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: The Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee on February 18, 2026, held extensive discussions on gender-affirming care for minors. Proponents of restrictions cited a Supreme Court decision upholding bans, the closure of gender clinics, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons cautioning against surgeries for individuals under 19 due to low certainty evidence for hormonal treatments. They also mentioned Federal Trade Commission investigations into gender clinics for potentially misleading claims. Conversely, arguments were made that gender-affirming surgeries for minors are exceptionally rare and often performed on cisgender youth, questioning the rationale for specific bans.
Legislative Actions and Public Safety: Several bills saw action this week. On February 17, 2026, the House passed HB 308 (homeless services), HB 320 (Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy), and HB 204 (student belief accommodation). HB 329 (state employee maternity leave) passed with an adopted third substitute after a first substitute by Representative Ballard failed. On February 12, 2026, HB 401 passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate. In the House Judiciary Committee on February 19, 2026, there was discussion on a bill regarding blocking entry or exit from churches and disrupting worship services, as well as blocking roadways in the interest of terrorist organizations. The committee also noted the presence of criminal gangs and foreign terrorist organizations like CJNG, Trende Aragua, MS-13, Barrio 18, ISIS, and Boko Haram active in Utah. Additionally, the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee on February 19, 2026, discussed the need to clarify the definition of “cohabitant” in current code.
Municipal Flag Display Regulations: The House Government Operations Committee on February 13, 2026, discussed HB 302, sponsored by Representative McPherson, which aims to clarify laws concerning flag displays by municipalities. The bill would allow municipalities to adopt one official flag while permitting other cultural or ceremonial flags at locations like City Hall, but restrict schools to displaying only the official flag. The committee adopted a first substitute and an amendment, passing the bill with 8 votes in favor and 3 opposed, following discussions about balancing local control with freedom of expression.