Section 1. Section 53G-7-227 is amended to read:53G-7-227Effective 05/06/26. Device prohibition.(1)As used in this section:(a)(i)"AI glasses" means wearable eyewear, whether prescription or non-prescription, that:(A)incorporates one or more sensors, including cameras, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, or biometric sensors;(B)uses artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, or neural networks to process, analyze, or interpret data captured by the sensors in real-time or near real-time;(C)provides information, overlays, translations, identification, or other augmented content to the wearer through visual displays, audio output, or haptic feedback; and(D)may transmit, store, or share data to external devices, networks, or cloud-based services.(ii)"AI glasses" does not include:(A)prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses without electronic components;(B)wearable devices used solely for reading glasses or vision correction without data collection or processing capabilities;(C)protective eyewear that contains only passive sensors without artificial intelligence processing capabilities; or(D)virtual reality headsets designed primarily for immersive gaming or entertainment that are not suitable for continuous wear in public settings.(a)(b)"Cellphone" means a handheld, portable electronic device that is designed to be operated using one or both hands and is capable of transmitting and receiving voice, data, or text communication by means of:(i)a cellular network;(ii)a satellite network; or(iii)any other wireless technology.(b)(c)"Cellphone" includes:(i)a smartphone;(ii)a feature phone;(iii)a mobile phone;(iv)a satellite phone; or(v)a personal digital assistant that incorporates capabilities similar to a smartphone, feature phone, mobile phone, or satellite phone.(c)(d)"Classroom hours" means:(i)time during which a student receives scheduled, teacher-supervised instruction that occurs:(A)in a physical or virtual classroom setting;(B)during regular school operating hours; and(C)as part of an approved educational curriculum.(ii)"Classroom hours" does not include:(A)lunch periods;(B)recess;(C)transit time between classes;(D)study halls unless directly supervised by a qualified instructor;(E)after-school activities unless part of an approved extended learning program; or(F)independent study time occurring outside scheduled instruction.(d)(e)(i)"Emerging technology" means any other device that has or will be able to act in place of or as an extension of an individual's cellphone.(ii)"Emerging technology" does not include school provided or required devices.(e)(f)"Smart watch" means a wearable computing device that closely resembles a wristwatch or other time-keeping device with the capacity to act in place of or as an extension of an individual's cellphone.(f)(g)"Smart watch" does not include a wearable device that can only:(i)tell time;(ii)monitor an individual's health informatics;(iii)receive and display notifications or information without the capability to respond; or(iv)track the individual's physical location.(2)(a)An LEA:(i)shall establish a policy that allows a student to use a cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology:(A)to respond to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual;(B)to respond to a school-wide emergency;(C)to use the SafeUT Crisis Line described in Section 53H-4-210;(D)for a student's IEP or Section 504 accommodation plan; or(E)to address a medical necessity; and(ii)may establish a policy that provides for other circumstances when a student may use a cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology.(b)An LEA may establish policies that:(i)extend restrictions on student use of cellphones, smart watches, or emerging technologies to non-classroom hours during the school day, including:(A)lunch periods;(B)transition times between classes; and(C)other school-supervised activities; and(ii)impose additional limitations on the use of cellphones, smart watches, or emerging technologies beyond those required by this section.(3)Except as provided in Subsection (2), a student may not use a cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology at a school during classroom hours.(4)The state board may create one or more model policies regarding when a student may use a student's cellphone, smart watch, AI glasses, or emerging technology in a school during classroom hours consistent with this section.

Section 2. Section 53G-8-901 is enacted to read:9. LEA Cybersecurity Standards53G-8-901Effective 05/06/26. General provisions -- Definitions.As used in this part:(1)"Cyber Center" means the Utah Cyber Center created in Section 63A-16-1102.(2)"Data breach" means the same as that term is defined in Section 63A-16-1101.(3)"UETN" means the Utah Education and Telehealth Network created in Section 53H-4-213.4.

Section 3. Section 53G-8-902 is enacted to read:53G-8-902Effective 05/06/26. State board to establish minimum cybersecurity standards -- Phased implementation -- Coordination with state entities.(1)In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and in collaboration with UETN, the state board shall make rules establishing minimum cybersecurity standards for an LEA that:(a)take into account varying LEA resources and needs; and(b)may address:(i)user authentication and access controls;(ii)cybersecurity oversight and governance within an LEA;(iii)device and endpoint security;(iv)cybersecurity awareness and training for staff;(v)system maintenance and software updates;(vi)data backup and recovery procedures;(vii)incident response planning and coordination;(viii)third-party vendor management and oversight; and(ix)phased implementation approaches based on LEA size, capacity, and resources.(2)(a)The state board shall ensure the rules made under Subsection (1) align with industry recognized cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.(b)The state board may establish different compliance timelines or requirements for LEAs based on the LEA's size, existing cybersecurity infrastructure, or available resources.(3)The state board, in consultation with the Cyber Center and UETN, shall:(a)develop implementation guidelines and resources to assist LEAs in meeting the minimum cybersecurity standards;(b)provide technical assistance and support to LEAs;(c)establish a method to assess LEA compliance with the minimum cybersecurity standards; and (d)coordinate the provision of cybersecurity services and resources to LEAs.(4)(a)The Cyber Center, the state board, and UETN shall coordinate services to LEAs to:(i)avoid duplication of efforts;(ii)maximize the effectiveness of cybersecurity resources;(iii)ensure LEAs receive consistent guidance and support; and(iv)facilitate information sharing regarding cybersecurity threats and best practices.(b)The coordination required under Subsection (4)(a) shall include:(i)regular meetings among the entities to discuss LEA cybersecurity needs and initiatives;(ii)joint development of training materials and resources;(iii)coordinated response to cybersecurity incidents affecting LEAs; and(iv)alignment of cybersecurity standards and network infrastructure requirements.(5)An LEA shall comply with the minimum cybersecurity standards established in rule under Subsection (1) according to the phased implementation timeline established by the state board.

Section 4. Section 53G-8-903 is enacted to read:53G-8-903Effective 05/06/26. Data breach reporting -- Coordination with Utah Cyber Center.(1)An LEA shall report a data breach to the Cyber Center in accordance with Section 63A-19-405.(2)In addition to the requirements in Section 63A-19-405, an LEA shall:(a)notify the state board within 24 hours of discovering the data breach;(b)coordinate with UETN if the data breach involves network infrastructure or services provided by UETN; and(c)cooperate with the Cyber Center's investigation and response efforts.(3)In collaboration with UETN, the Cyber Center shall provide assistance to an LEA in responding to a data breach in the same manner the Cyber Center provides assistance to a governmental entity as described in Title 63A, Chapter 16, Part 11, Utah Cyber Center.(4)An LEA shall:(a)participate in cybersecurity information sharing initiatives coordinated by the Cyber Center;(b)designate a primary point of contact for cybersecurity matters who shall interface with the Cyber Center, the state board, and UETN; and(c)cooperate with statewide cybersecurity assessments and improvement initiatives.(5)(a)A regional education service agency, as that term is defined in Section 53G-4-410, may serve as the designated primary cybersecurity contact for multiple LEAs within the service area.(b)If a regional education service agency serves as the primary contact under Subsection (5)(a), the agency shall:(i)coordinate with the Cyber Center, the state board, and UETN on behalf of the participating LEAs; (ii)ensure each participating LEA meets the minimum cybersecurity standards established under Section 53G-8-902; and(iii)maintain documentation of cybersecurity services provided to each LEA.

Section 5. Section 53H-4-213.4 is amended to read:53H-4-213.4Effective 05/06/26. Educational telecommunications -- Utah Education and Telehealth Network.(1)There is created the Utah Education and Telehealth Network, or UETN.(2)UETN shall:(a)coordinate and support the telecommunications needs of public and higher education, public libraries, and entities affiliated with the state systems of public and higher education as approved by the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board, including the statewide development and implementation of a network for education, which utilizes satellite, microwave, fiber-optic, broadcast, and other transmission media;(b)coordinate the various telecommunications technology initiatives of public and higher education;(c)provide high-quality, cost-effective Internet access and appropriate interface equipment for schools and school systems;(d)procure, install, and maintain telecommunication services and equipment on behalf of public and higher education;(e)develop or implement other programs or services for the delivery of distance learning and telehealth services as directed by law;(f)apply for state and federal funding on behalf of:(i)public and higher education; and(ii)telehealth services;(g)in consultation with health care providers from a variety of health care systems, explore and encourage the development of telehealth services as a means of reducing health care costs and increasing health care quality and access, with emphasis on assisting rural health care providers and special populations; and(h)in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, advise the governor and the Legislature on:(i)the role of telehealth in the state;(ii)the policy issues related to telehealth;(iii)the changing telehealth needs and resources in the state; and(iv)state budgetary matters related to telehealth.; and(i)coordinate with the Utah Cyber Center created in Section 63A-16-1102 to:(i)implement network-level security controls for local education agencies;(ii)support cybersecurity incident response when network infrastructure is affected; and(iii)ensure alignment between network infrastructure and cybersecurity standards required under Section 53G-8-902.(3)In performing the duties under Subsection (2), UETN shall:(a)provide services to schools, school districts, and the public and higher education systems through an open and competitive bidding process;(b)work with the private sector to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services;(c)avoid duplicating facilities, equipment, or services of private providers or public telecommunications service, as defined under Section 54-8b-2;(d)utilize statewide economic development criteria in the design and implementation of the educational telecommunications infrastructure; and(e)assure that public service entities, such as educators, public service providers, and public broadcasters, are provided access to the telecommunications infrastructure developed in the state.(4)The University of Utah shall provide administrative support for UETN.(5)(a)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board, which is the governing board for UETN, is created.(b)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board shall have 13 members as follows:(i)five members representing the state system of higher education, of which at least one member represents technical colleges, appointed by the commissioner of higher education;(ii)four members representing the state system of public education appointed by the State Board of Education;(iii)one member representing the state library appointed by the state librarian;(iv)two members representing hospitals as follows:(A)the members may not be employed by the same hospital system;(B)one member shall represent a rural hospital;(C)one member shall represent an urban hospital; and(D)the chief administrator or the administrator's designee for each hospital licensed in this state shall select the two hospital representatives; and(v)one member representing the office of the governor, appointed by the governor.(c)When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term.(d)(i)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board shall elect a chair.(ii)The chair shall set the agenda for the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board meetings.(6)A member of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:(a)Section 63A-3-106;(b)Section 63A-3-107; and(c)rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.(7)The Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board:(a)shall hire an executive director for UETN who may hire staff for UETN as permitted by the budget;(b)may terminate the executive director's employment or assignment;(c)shall determine the executive director's salary;(d)shall annually conduct a performance evaluation of the executive director;(e)shall establish policies the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Board determines are necessary for the operation of UETN and the administration of UETN's duties; and(f)shall advise UETN in:(i)the development and operation of a coordinated, statewide, multi-option telecommunications system to assist in the delivery of educational services and telehealth services throughout the state; and(ii)acquiring, producing, and distributing instructional content.(8)The executive director of UETN shall be an at-will employee.(9)UETN shall locate and maintain educational and telehealth telecommunication infrastructure throughout the state.(10)Educational institutions shall manage site operations under policy established by UETN.(11)Subject to future budget constraints, the Legislature shall provide an annual appropriation to operate UETN.(12)If the network operated by the Division of Technology Services is not available, UETN may provide network connections to the central administration of counties and municipalities for the sole purpose of transferring data to a secure facility for backup and disaster recovery.

Section 6. Section 63C-27-201 is amended to read:63C-27-201Effective 05/06/26Repealed 07/01/32. Cybersecurity Commission created.(1)There is created the Cybersecurity Commission.(2)The commission shall be composed of 24the following members:(a)one member the governor designates to serve as the governor's designee;(b)the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety;(c)the lieutenant governor, or an election officer, as that term is defined in Section 20A-1-102, the lieutenant governor designates to serve as the lieutenant governor's designee;(d)the chief information officer of the Division of Technology Services;(e)the chief information security officer, as described in Section 63A-16-210;(f)the chairman of the Public Service Commission shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(g)the executive director of the Utah Department of Transportation shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(h)the director of the Division of Finance shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(i)the executive director of the Department of Health and Human Services shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(j)the director of the Division of Indian Affairs shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(k)the Utah League of Cities and Towns shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(l)the Utah Association of Counties shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(m)the attorney general, or the attorney general's designee;(n)the commissioner of financial institutions, or the commissioner's designee;(o)the executive director of the Department of Environmental Quality shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(p)the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources shall designate a representative with professional experience in information technology or cybersecurity;(q)two local education agency employees tasked with job duties that include systems and security management from one charter school and one school district whom the state superintendent selects;(q)(r)the highest ranking information technology official, or the official's designee, from each of:(i)the Judicial Council;(ii)the Utah Board of Higher Education;(iii)the State Board of Education; and(iv)the State Tax Commission;(r)(s)the governor shall appoint:(i)one representative from the Utah National Guard; and(ii)one representative from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity;(s)(t)the president of the Senate shall appoint one member of the Senate; and(t)(u)the speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member of the House of Representatives.(3)(a)The governor's designee shall serve as cochair of the commission.(b)The commissioner of the Department of Public Safety shall serve as cochair of the commission.(4)(a)The members described in Subsection (2) shall represent urban, rural, and suburban population areas.(b)No fewer than half of the members described in Subsection (2) shall have professional experience in cybersecurity or in information technology.(5)In addition to the membership described in Subsection (2), the commission shall seek information and advice from state and private entities with expertise in critical infrastructure.(6)As necessary to improve information and protect potential vulnerabilities, the commission shall seek information and advice from federal entities including:(a)the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency;(b)the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;(c)the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and(d)the United States Department of Transportation.(7)(a)Except as provided in Subsections (7)(b) and (c), a member is appointed for a term of four years.(b)A member shall serve until the member's successor is appointed and qualified.(c)Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (7)(a), the governor shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of commission members are staggered so that approximately half of the commission members appointed under Subsection (2)(r)(2) are appointed every two years.(8)(a)If a vacancy occurs in the membership of the commission, the member shall be replaced in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.(b)An individual may be appointed to more than one term.(c)When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term.(9)(a)A majority of the members of the commission is a quorum.(b)The action of a majority of a quorum constitutes an action of the commission.(10)The commission shall meet at least two times a year.

Section 7. Effective Date.This bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.