Alixel Cabrera | Utah News Dispatch

Amid boos and screams from hundreds of community members, Box Elder County commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions in support of a 40,000-acre data center campus proposed for an unincorporated site in the county.

About 1,100 people filled the fairgrounds’ fine arts building after rallying outside. Commissioners had moved the meeting to a larger space, but when the group became rowdy, they made their decision in a small room away from the public.

“For hell’s sake, grow up,” Box Elder County Commissioner Boyd Bingham told the public, growing irritated as a wave of roars interrupted the meeting, not for the first time.

The angry crowd’s jeers outweighed the voices of commissioners and guests, especially when they spoke about water rights and the county’s tax revenue prospects stemming from the project. Many in the audience asked to be heard, but shouts prevailed throughout the meeting.
No one was escorted out, but instead, the commissioners left the room and broadcast their quick vote on a screen available to the public.

“Cowards,” some in the audience yelled. Others repeatedly shouted, “People over profit.”

The resolutions were needed under state law to allow the Military Installation Development Authority, or MIDA, to move forward with the Stratos project. MIDA, an agency formed by the Utah Legislature to promote economic development with a military-related purpose, required county approval because the data center is to be built on private land without existing zoning. Approval enables MIDA to proceed with planning and development processes specific to this unique situation.

“Today’s vote is not the end of the process, it is the beginning. If this project moves forward, it will happen in phases over many years. At every step, it will be subject to continued oversight, permitting and regulatory review,” Commissioner Lee Perry told reporters after the meeting.
Unlike regular industrial developments, this project required municipal approval before a full environmental assessment—which examines all potential impacts to air, water, and wildlife—was drafted. Developers said the study will be prepared later, though the timeline remains unclear. At the meeting, commissioners said developers must first obtain an air quality permit from the appropriate agency, then undergo an engineering review, a process that typically assesses structural and safety aspects and usually takes 150 to 200 days.

The vote comes after commissioners delayed their decision by a week, citing insufficient time to review the project. That quick pace of approvals has frustrated the public, who have filled meetings and comment channels with questions about the potential impacts of such a large development in northern Utah.

The data center campus sponsored by Kevin O’Leary, a celebrity investor from “Shark Tank,” will include a natural gas plant supplying 9 gigawatts of energy to achieve self-sufficiency, more than twice the state’s annual consumption. This power will be isolated from Utah’s grid and won’t affect utility rates, say developers.

Developers are also planning to use a closed-loop system to cool their equipment, using privately owned water rights that are unsuitable for drinking or irrigation. But, without a definitive environmental study, the public remains skeptical.

James Evans, a retired geosciences professor from Logan, showed up to join the people who gathered outside the fairgrounds to rally against the project. He said he wished leaders had slowed down and thought the decision through.

Evans said, “I was struck by the cavalier way decisions and discussions happened. This is a multibillion-dollar project, including one of the world’s largest gas-fired plants.”
However, the commissioners’ decision turned out to be what Evans expected.

Evans added, “This unfair process burdens the three county commissioners. I don’t think they had enough data or time, but they faced a lot of pressure. I truly feel sorry for them.”
What’s next

Now that the county’s approval has been secured, developers will conduct a capital-raising effort, Casey Hill, a spokesperson for O’Leary Digital, said after the meeting. The entire project will be over $1 billion. Its first phase will start in the next few months, he said.

Now that the state environmental permitting process is beginning, developers have committed to holding town halls with the community at different stages.

With the resolutions, commissioners laid out guardrails for the project, including county representation on a project board, dark-sky protections, noise standards and public safety assurances.

Editor’s note: The key points for this story were written by a Utah News Dispatch journalist.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Harry and Verna Gammon did their homework. They looked up the city’s park strip ordinance online, hired a landscaper, and planted seven miniature cherry trees along the front and side of their corner lot home in American Fork. Months later, a police officer knocked on their door with a very different message.

The trees had to go.

Harry, 90, and Verna, 72, now face a Class C misdemeanor after relying on an outdated ordinance. The new code, which regulates certain trees in park strips, replaced it, but the old version remained on the city’s website. The Gammons were never informed.

Verna recounted, “We found the ordinance, planted the trees, then a policeman told us to remove them. I showed him the ordinance, and he said, ‘There’s a new one.’ I asked, ‘Why wasn’t the old ordinance removed?’”

It’s a fair question. In fact, even the city’s own assistant city administrator is asking it.

“We need to improve notice and communication,” said assistant city administrator Camden Bird. “Especially if our site misleads residents, we should work more with them.”

Bird recently learned of the Gammons’ case. “That seemed ridiculous,” he said. “No one should get only one notice, then a citation.”

The citation was issued Jan. 16, 2026, and the case has already cleared a pretrial hearing. May 6 is the trial date. For the city, that deadline is fast approaching, and so far, no one has moved to drop the charges.

If convicted, the couple faces up to 90 days in jail or an $1,800 fine. Court costs will exceed $20,000. They’ve already paid $980 to an attorney, but haven’t received a response from the city prosecutor.

Verna isn’t without a sense of humor about it. “I’ve told my grandkids, ‘You may find me in jail,’” she said. “It’s 90 days in jail or a $1,800 fine. But underneath the joke, her frustration is real. “Man,” she said, “they are treating us like criminals.”

“This has been such a stressful ordeal—it’s worn me out for five months,” Harry said. “I lose sleep just thinking about it. I woke up at four o’clock this morning, and all I could focus on was what I would say at the city council meeting.”

Harry was told by city officials that the city council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month and that public comments are addressed to the city council.  Unfortunately, the city changed the April 28 meeting to a work session at 4 pm, with no public comment available.

This isn’t the first time the Gammons have unsuccessfully reached out to the city. On October 8, they submitted a letter outlining their situation and requesting solutions. Six months later, they still have not received a response from city officials.

Bird acknowledged the optics aren’t good. “The optics of that are really bad,” he said, “more so with a couple like that.”

The trees at the center of the dispute are miniature cherry trees, a variety that the Gammons’ landscaper selected specifically for their well-behaved nature. The old ordinance specifically allowed for this variety of tree in the size of the park strip the Gammons have.

According to the Gammons, after an initial warning, the city’s arborist visited the property, assured them the trees would not exceed 25 feet in height, and stated the root systems grow downward, not outward. The arborist, Brady McNaughton, said, “I don’t see an issue; they’ll never hurt your sidewalks at all.”

Bird said the Gammons’ case started with an anonymous complaint, unlike the city’s typical process. He is still gathering details on why the situation escalated without more outreach to the couple.

Meanwhile, neighbors have continued to admire the yard. “Everybody walks by and says, ‘You have a beautiful yard here. It looks gorgeous,’” Harry said. “If we have to move the trees, there goes the beauty of the yard.”

City council members Clark Taylor and Tim Holley are concerned that the city cited the Gammons and is taking them to court based on information the Gammons found on the city’s official website. They are working with the city administration to see if the charges can be dropped, but the May 6th court date is fast approaching.

“You don’t pull up an ordinance and think, ‘Oh, I’m going to surf the website and see if I can find something that contradicts this,’” Verna said. “You just take it for what it is.”

The Gammons aren’t asking for much, just to keep their trees, or at a minimum, to be grandfathered in under the ordinance they followed in good faith. “We should be allowed to be grandfathered in,” Harry said. “It’s the city’s fault they didn’t remove the old ordinance at the same time they put the new one on.”

At the time of the Interview, Google searches for “American Fork City tree planting guide” and “American Fork City code tree planting park strips” still pull up the outdated code and guide the Gammons followed.  American Fork Citizen will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Patriots gathered at the Quail Cove Amphitheater on Wednesday, April 15, to honorably retire dozens of American flags. Each year, the American Legion Post 49 in American Fork hosts the event.

Vice Commander Gary Steele said preparing for the event is a lot of work. “We enjoy showing the communities we serve patriotism,” said Steele. “We like to show people how to respectfully retire a tattered and faded flag. It’s important they learn how to pay respect in doing that. We collect these flags all year long.”

The ceremony started off with a prayer and the national anthem sung by Molly Watson.

“This event shows young people what it’s like to celebrate our nation. We can celebrate those who’ve died, and we can keep doing it for generations,” Watson shared.

It was appropriate for Watson to share the national anthem. Her mother said that when Molly first heard “The Star-Spangled Banner” as a child, she was in awe. “She loved that song so much, she wanted to learn it. We worked really hard at learning the song, and that’s been her favorite and most-sung song. I don’t know what connected her to the national anthem, but she has always loved it.”

Commander Keith Hall of Post 49 served in the army. He was just two days out of school when he went to army boot camp. He serves with the Timpanogos Color Guard, who perform “Taps” at military funerals. Hall says you can feel the soldier there when they perform.

Hall buys new flags and keeps them in his vehicle. If he sees a worn-out flag flying, he will offer to replace it with a new one at no cost. This honors Old Glory by keeping flags looking crisp and new.

Carrie Fox with Follow The Flag (FTF), an organization dedicated to honoring Old Glory and veterans, was touched by how many flags were laid on the table for retirement and noted how patriotic our community is.

Kyle Fox, founder of FTF, was also present. His organization flies enormous flags over canyons, remembering our servicemen and servicewomen and the sacrifices made for our nation. “These American flags have thousands of threads, and each of these flags has stories like the threads,” he said. Whether the flag flies in your home, yard, on ships, out at war or in enemy territory, he says those flags have their own stories, and their loved ones are part of that thread in those flags.

“It’s interesting to see each person bringing the flags up to the fire, throwing them in, and knowing there’s so much more than red, white and blue; stars and stripes. It carries our own stories,” added Kyle.

Colonel Mark Howard served in the air force in a medical hospital in Vietnam.“I love the flag,” said Howard. “The flag is everything to me.” Howard has attended military funerals where the veterans always have the flag over them. One of the highlights for him is handing the folded flag over to the family of the soldier. He shared that it gives him chills.

The annual flag retirement ceremony is held on the third Wednesday every April at the amphitheater. “It’s important to teach our children and grandchildren a lot of respect for the American Flag and not just throw it in the garbage. They need to be retired with respect, and we’re glad to do that for them,” concluded Steele.

Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen

According to a release from Intermountain, just two years after opening in Lehi, Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital – Miller Family Campus, has become a critical access point for pediatric trauma care and specialty services for children in Utah County and Southern Salt Lake County.

 Since opening in 2024, the hospital campus has cared for tens of thousands of children and is already expanding services to meet increasing healthcare needs of children and families in nearby communities. 

The hospital just celebrated its second anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for eight new medical-surgical beds to expand access to patients. Later this year, six new newborn ICU rooms will be added, increasing total inpatient capacity by approximately 20 percent.

In its first two years, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital – Miller Family Campus has delivered the following care: 

• Trauma cases: 1,107 

• Surgical cases: 11,879 

• Patient days: 30,372 

• Emergency department visits: 39,872 

• Clinic visits: 145,099 

“These numbers reflect more than volume of patients. They represent families who no longer must travel long distances for specialized pediatric care, and children receiving timely treatment in moments that matter most,” said Lisa Paletta, president of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital – Miller Family Campus. 

One such patient is 17-year-old Max Braithwaite. After a serious motocross accident in Delta, Utah, Max was being airlifted to Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City when he became unstable mid-flight. 

The flight team rerouted and landed at the Lehi campus, saving 10 critical minutes that may have been the difference between life and death.  

 “They completely saved his life,” said Max’s mother, Ashley. “He wouldn’t have made it to Salt Lake.” 

Since the accident, Max has continued to receive follow-up care at the Lehi campus, including both rehabilitation services for his injures and specialty care for Type 1 diabetes – a previously undiagnosed chronic condition that was discovered by Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital caregivers during his hospital stay.

“The hospital is close to my home because I live in Saratoga Springs and so it’s close and convenient. Everybody there has just been friendly and so supportive, and it’s just well organized, well run. We’re very grateful for their care that Max received,” said Ashley.

Since opening, the Lehi campus has added other important new specialty services, such as the Pectus Center of Excellence, which has already helped 60 patients improve their quality of life through specialized rib cage surgery. 

Additionally, the Lehi campus recently started a sports medicine program and plans to install an outdoor sports rehabilitation facility this summer on the campus, where children can work with physical therapists to regain athletic skills after sports injuries. 

 “Our campus was always designed to grow. This hospital was built with the future in mind, and we’re just getting started. We will continue to add services, expand access, and meet the needs of our growing community for many years to come,” said Paletta.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

Students across Utah County are invited to combine creativity with civic pride in a unique opportunity. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, the Utah County Elections Division has launched an “I Voted” sticker design contest for students in fifth through ninth grades, giving young artists the chance to have their work distributed to voters throughout the county.

The contest, which is open to all eligible students living in Utah County, calls for original designs that reflect both the spirit of American independence and the identity of the local community. The winning artwork will be featured as the official “I Voted” sticker for the November 2026 General Election.

The contest is about more than just art. It is designed to engage younger generations in the democratic process and to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

“This is your chance to create a design that represents both America’s 250th birthday and the spirit of Utah County,” the Elections Division shared in its announcement. “We encourage students to make something original, meaningful, and eye-catching.”

The contest offers a range of incentives for participants. The first-place winner will receive $150 and have their design mailed to voters throughout the county. Second place will receive $100, and third place will receive $50. All three top finishers will also be recognized at a Utah County Commission meeting, providing a public platform to celebrate their work.

Students are encouraged to use any artistic medium they prefer, including drawing, painting or digital design. Submissions can be created at any size, but the final design will be scaled down to fit a 2-inch circular sticker. This requirement challenges students to think carefully about composition, clarity and visual impact in a smaller format.

Entries must be submitted by May 8, either electronically via email or in-person at the Utah County Elections Office in Provo. Only one entry per student is allowed. Winners are expected to be announced by May 15.

“I Voted” stickers serve as both a personal badge of participation and a subtle encouragement for others to vote. By allowing students to design the sticker, Utah County is giving the next generation a voice in how that symbol is represented.

Community leaders hope the initiative will spark interest in civic responsibility at an early age. Encouraging students in the contest who are not yet eligible to vote to contribute to an election-related tradition may help foster a lifelong appreciation for civic involvement.

The county looks forward to seeing what the students of Utah County come up with. The contest celebrates both past and future, honoring 250 years of American history while empowering the next generation to help shape its ongoing story.

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen

MTECH students in Lehi captured 30 medals at the 2026 Utah SkillsUSA competition.

Students secured 11 gold, 11 silver, and eight bronze medals—a record for MTECH. The competition featured the state’s best high school and college talent, tested in practical, technical challenges. SkillsUSA was held March 26-27 at sites across the state, including MTECH Lehi, Bridgerland, Ogden-Weber, and Salt Lake Community College.

The SkillsUSA Statewide Competition is a premier annual event where career and technical education students demonstrate skills in industry-judged contests. Regional winners compete for state championships, with top finishers advancing to the National Leadership & Skills Conference.

“SkillsUSA competitions are created with industry experts to reflect current workforce expectations. Technical standards and scoring rubrics are developed and reviewed by professionals in each field,” said Maile Richardson, Senior Director of Communications at MTECH. “Students compete in events connected to their MTECH program, applying their training in a real-world, competitive setting.”

“Many competitions also require interviews or client interactions, so students must show professionalism, communication, and customer service,” added Richardson.

MTECH students reached milestones this year, earning the college’s first gold in Barbering and a medal in Welding—one of the competition’s most competitive categories,” said Richardson.
MTECH instructors play a key role in preparing students for competition.

“MTECH prepares students for SkillsUSA by building both technical and soft skills. Each competitor is assigned a skills advisor, usually their instructor, who helps them refine skills for weeks before the competition. Advisors are key to student success,” said Richardson.

Both high school and adult MTECH students competed in their categories. Winners from MTECH in Lehi included the following competitors.

Gold Winners

STUDENT NAME , COMPETITION , COMP. CATEGORY

Sydine Paice , Culinary Arts, High School

Amelia Kennicott, Nail Care, High School

Charlotte Westwood, Esthetics, Adult

Keslee Bagley, Barbering, High School

Skyler Farrell, Industrial Motor, Controls Adult

Fenix Taylor and Mercedes Allen
(competed as a team) Mechatronics, High School

Ryan Stradling, CNC Programmer, Adult

Christopher Dixon, CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer, Adult

Matthew Morris, CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer, Adult

Logan Perkins, HVAC-R, Adult

Jack Petersen, HVAC-R, High School

Silver Winners

STUDENT NAMES , COMPETITION , COMP. CATEGORY

Haley Osborne, Culinary Arts, Adult

Caleb Meade, Restaurante Service, High School

Alexis Glenn, Nail Care, Adult

Anthony Ramirez, Welding, Adult

Brandon Hernandez and Josua Jardine
(competed as a team) Mechatronics, Adult

Devon Stulce, CNC Programmer, Adult

Joshua Spencer, CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer, Adult

Berkely Stulce, CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer, Adult

Dillan Schweinler, Plumbing, Adult

Andrew Richards, HVAC-R, Adult

Liam Cutler, HVAC-R, High School

Bronze Winners

STUDENT NAME, COMPETITION, COMP. CATEGORY

Melissa Bercerra, Baking and Pastry Arts, Adult

Anne Arce, Baking and Pastry Arts, Adult

Abby Wahlquist, Cosmetology, Adult

Paige Terranova, Nail Care, High School

Derick Brinkerhoff, CNC Programmer, Adult

Maxwell Hewett, CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer, Adult

Alec Dressler, Electrical Construction Wiring, Adult

Jared Stokes, HVAC-R, Adult

The Gold-winning students can compete at the national level. The national competition will take place in June in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We’re incredibly proud of how our students represented MTECH at this year’s competition,” said Richardson, his voice reflecting the pride of the entire team. “Watching their skills recognized in such an exciting arena fills us with genuine joy and gratitude. Their wins truly affirm how meaningful and life-changing MTECH’s training can be.”

These achievements show students’ dedication and MTECH’s commitment to high-quality, career-focused education.

Career and technical education are central to MTECH’s mission of enhancing employability through hands-on, industry-driven training. Participating in SkillsUSA directly supports this goal by allowing students to apply their learning in a real-world, performance-based environment,” said Richardson.

“These students represent the best of technical education,” said Clay Christensen, President of Mountainland Technical College. “We’re proud of their SkillsUSA accomplishments. Their success shows their determination, quality instruction, and strong MTECH support.”

Richardson concluded, “We’re proud to be part of Lehi and to see our students achieve at this level. It’s exciting to watch them represent the city.”

Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen

All Utah County Republican delegates are invited to participate in the Utah County Republican convention this Saturday at Skyridge High School. Several high-profile Utah County races with numerous republican contenders will vie to represent the party in the primary election. Those races include two county commission seats, and a republican nominee will emerge from the county clerk and county recorder races.

The day-long event starts at 7:30 a.m. with a greeting time for candidates and delegates, then registration from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. According to county officials, food trucks will be on site. Delegates are encouraged to bring water and a cushion for more comfortable seating.
The Utah County Democratic Party held its nominating convention earlier in April.

Beky Beaton / Lehi Free Press

The annual flag retirement ceremony for the local area has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at the Quail Cove Amphitheater, 851 E. 700 North in American Fork from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is jointly sponsored by American Legion Post 49, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard, and the American Fork Fire & Rescue and Police departments.

It is the authorized ceremony for all communities in North Utah County. All interested residents, including children, are encouraged to attend and participate. Anyone who has a US flag that needs to be disposed of properly is invited to bring it to the ceremony.

The U.S. Flag Code specifies that, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Key indicators that a flag needs to be retired include:

• Significant fraying or tears: The fly end (outer edge) is heavily frayed or torn and cannot be repaired by trimming and re-hemming.
• Severe fading: The colors are washed out, with red appearing pink and blue looking grey, or the stars are no longer distinct.
• Structural damage: The fabric is thin, transparent, or has holes.
• Damaged components: Grommets are broken or the header is ripped.
• Dirty or mildewed: The flag is heavily soiled or has mildew that cannot be cleaned.

“The American Legion’s Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is a dignified tribute to the U.S. flag and to its symbolism,” said Post 49 adjutant Lloyd Togisala. “This ceremony is both legal and proper, and it is an effective instrument for promoting enhanced respect for the U.S. flag.”

A patriotic program including music and prayers is part of the ceremony.

Burning is the preferred method of disposal for flags made of cotton or other natural fibers. However, flags made of nylon, polyester or other synthetic fabrics should not be burned as they will produce toxic fumes.

Flags made of synthetic materials can be recycled, respectfully buried in a dignified container or cut in pieces for disposal.

Nichole Coombs and Sally Francom | American Fork Citizen

The Lehi City Council decided not to fund a feasibility study for a potential new ice complex, despite potential support from Utah County and NHL’s Mammoth funding.

The move was supported by all but one council member, Emily Lockhart, who felt like the council was deciding without investigating the data.

“I believe this feasibility study would be a launching point into more conversations,” said Lockhart. “It would give us more analysis.”

The feasibility study would have cost the city $33,000. The money to fund the study would come from RDA funds, not from taxpayers.

“This is our first budget session,” said council member Rachel Freeman. “I’d like to get through that first. I don’t think this is an appropriate time [to do this] as a new council member.”

Redevelopment Agency funds, or RDA, are specialized monies set aside to stimulate economic development.

“I want to be perfectly clear,” said Lockhart. “I do not think using RDA funds for economic opportunities is fiscally irresponsible. I am fiscally responsible, and part of that responsibility is to diversify the type of revenue that Lehi City is getting.”

Council member Heather Newall also agreed that she needed more data before deciding on the study, but ultimately didn’t support it.

“I don’t want to get this wrong,” said Newall. “I don’t have the information I need to make a decision.”

Lockheart agreed they didn’t have much information, but said that’s why the study was needed.

“Even if the feasibility study comes back and says we couldn’t [support the ice center], I would love to be able to show residents why,” said Lockheart. “But instead, when the residents who have expressed interest in this come and ask us why, I will have to say, ‘because this council wouldn’t even ask the questions.’ It’s so frustrating.”

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran, who lives in Lehi, supports considering an ice complex. He said, “The recent demand and economic success of the Provo Peaks Arena, combined with grant opportunities offered through the NHL’s Mammoth, inspired the concept of a second ice complex in Utah County. I’ve collaborated with several partners to raise funds and formally introduce the idea of [an ice complex] to Lehi City, given its strategic location. I think it’s great that Lehi considered the opportunity and started the conversation.”

But Beltran believes there was a potential misunderstanding about funding mechanisms and the potential for a significant sales tax boost to Lehi City coffers.

“There was a misunderstanding [on the part of city officials] regarding the financial structure of this project, both in terms of capital and revenue. The county’s contribution consisted of a mix of external grant funding and tourism tax revenue, which by law cannot be used for general fund expenses like public safety or core government functions.”

Regarding the idea that the ice complex would be a tax burden for local residents, Beltran added, “I would have never brought this project to any of the cities if it resulted in a tax increase.”

Beltran noted that sports venues that attract patrons from a wide geographical area often bring tax dollars to the city.

“The real economic impact comes from ancillary spending at local retail, restaurants and hotels. Ultimately, government is funded in two primary ways, either property tax or sales tax, so it’s important that we strengthen our sales tax tased to reduce reliance on property taxes.”
Other cities are interested in this type of project, Beltran said. “I look forward to working with them as they evaluate it.”

“I’ve heard people say that the county should just do the project, but that’s not how we’re structured. Decades ago, Utah County made the decision not to provide countywide recreation and library services, leaving that to cities, allowing them to control their own PARC tax dollars.”

The county does have funds, however, to aid such a project.

“We’re not aggressively pursuing this project; it is simply a bucket of funds available if a city wants to use them for seed funding.”

Alixel Cabrera | Utah News Dispatch

Utah lawmakers have approved legislation establishing a legal framework for autonomous vehicles, aiming to prepare the state for the eventual arrival of driverless technology while offering clarity on liability in the event of accidents.

Although no autonomous vehicle companies have formally committed to operating in Utah, lawmakers say the bill is designed to attract industry interest by providing legal certainty.
Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, who sponsored the measure, said the legislation creates a pathway for people to recover damages if they are injured in crashes involving automated driving systems, while also giving companies clearer expectations before deploying the technology.

“The technology is already here, and we can expect autonomous vehicles to become more common in Utah,” Cullimore said during a House committee hearing. “This bill establishes what that liability framework looks like.”

The legislation outlines several types of legal claims. Individuals who suffer injury or property damage directly caused by an autonomous vehicle must prove that the automated system was a “proximate cause” of the harm. In those cases, damages would be capped at $100,000.

In addition, individuals may pursue negligence claims, with non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering—capped at $1 million. The cap does not apply to economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages or wrongful death.

The bill also allows for claims against manufacturers or developers if a defect in the autonomous vehicle contributed to an accident. Plaintiffs would need to demonstrate that a reasonable alternative design existed and that the vehicle caused more harm than a human driver performing the same task.

Research on the safety of autonomous vehicles remains limited. A University of Central Florida study cited by lawmakers found that while advanced driving systems may reduce the likelihood of accidents overall, they may be more prone to crashes during low-light conditions or while making turns.

The legislation includes a provision requiring lawmakers to revisit the framework in 2030, allowing for adjustments as more data becomes available.

Some legal advocates have raised concerns about the bill’s limitations on damages and its protections for emerging technology. Jake Lee, chair of the legislative committee for the Utah Association for Justice, said in public comments that the measure removes punitive damages and may not yet strike the right balance given the lack of long-term safety data.

Still, supporters argue the framework positions Utah to benefit from technological advancements while maintaining a path for injured individuals to seek compensation.