HB273, passed as Chapter 120 of the 2026 General Session, created Utah Code Sections 53G-7-228, 53G-7-229, and 53G-7-1401 through 53G-7-1403, effective July 1, 2026, according to the Utah Legislature's bill record and session laws index [1][7]. The Utah State Board of Education subsequently released Draft 2 of its model policy [8] and a draft rule, R277-334, dated October 5, 2026, to guide local adoption [3].
Under the draft rule, each local education agency in Utah must adopt a policy on instructional technology and AI by July 1, 2027. Agencies may adopt the state board's model policy or a locally developed version that meets the statutory requirements, including balanced technology use, parent transparency, an AI use policy, and a grade-level framework, as specified in Utah Code Section 53G-7-228 [2]. The model policy accompanying the draft rule notes that most local school boards will not yet have a policy addressing instructional technology and AI use in the classroom and will need to adopt one for the first time [8].
Grade-Level Screen-Time and Device Limits
The draft rule R277-334 creates distinct requirements for four grade bands. For kindergarten through third grade, the rule prohibits students from taking home school-owned devices and bans required one-to-one device ratios. Classroom screen time is barred except for introducing state K-5 computer science standards or preparing for or administering a standards assessment. Homework requiring internet access or instructional technology is also prohibited [3].
For grades four through six, the rule similarly prohibits take-home devices and required one-to-one ratios. Instructional technology use is limited to a defined academic purpose under direct teacher supervision, and homework requiring internet access is not allowed [3].
For middle or junior high school, the rule allows take-home devices only with written parent opt-in consent. For high school, devices may go home unless a parent opts out. Both bands must balance technology use with teacher-led, print-based instruction [3].
Artificial Intelligence Use Requirements
Section 6 of R277-334 restricts the use of generative AI in educational settings. Educators may not use generative AI to independently grade student work or make high-stakes determinations about placement, discipline, academic progression, or program eligibility. Utah Code Section 53G-7-1402 defines a high-stakes determination for these purposes [3][5]. Before using generative AI in instruction, LEAs must provide written notification to parents, including a link to the LEA metadata dictionary. Students may use generative AI only when an educator authorizes it for a specific instructional purpose [3].
The rule prohibits AI uses that threaten student safety, including biometric surveillance and psychological profiling. LEAs must maintain an inventory of approved AI tools authorized for educator or student use. The rule also requires training for educators and staff on balanced technology use, AI tools, student privacy, and academic integrity before implementing a new or substantially revised policy [3].
The law also permits LEAs to offer AI sandbox courses to students in grades 9 through 12. These courses are limited to career and technical education or focused campus settings and require written parent consent, adherence to federal data privacy requirements, and ethical use guidelines from the state board. Students are not required to participate, according to Utah Code Section 53G-7-1403 [3][6].
Enforcement and Exemptions
If an LEA fails to adopt a policy by the deadline, the state board's model policy becomes the default, according to Utah Code Section 53G-7-228 [2]. Because the model policy notes that most local school boards currently lack any policy addressing instructional technology and AI, the default provision means that districts which do not act by July 1, 2027 will automatically be governed by the state model policy rather than a locally tailored version [8]. The state board may also withhold or delay funding for digital literacy, computer science, or educational technology to enforce compliance [3].
Exemptions from the grade-level requirements, listed in the same code section, apply to courses where technology is integral to the subject, online district or charter schools, the Statewide Online Education Program, core technology standards courses, AI sandbox courses for grades 9 through 12, schools within tribal nation boundaries where the LEA serves as the internet service provider, and technology use consistent with a student's IEP or 504 plan [3].