Utah H.B. 238 — Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Amendments
Utah · Utah Laws 2024, H.B. 238; Utah Code 76-5b-103(1)(b)(iii)
Utah expanded its definition of child sexual abuse material to capture AI-generated content. The definition now reaches material that is artificially generated and depicts an individual with the substantial characteristics of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This closes a gap where fully synthetic imagery might otherwise escape the statute.
Technical detail
H.B. 238 (2024) amends Utah Code 76-5b-103 to add subsection (1)(b)(iii), defining child sexual abuse material to include material 'artificially generated and depicts an individual with substantial characteristics of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct'; relies on existing Chapter 5b penalties.
Who is protected: Minors and individuals who appear to be minors, including in artificially generated depictions.
Who must comply: Individuals subject to Utah's criminal child sexual abuse material laws.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Utah |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2024-05-01 |
| Enacted | 2024-03-13 |
| Citation | Utah Laws 2024, H.B. 238; Utah Code 76-5b-103(1)(b)(iii) |
| Enforced by | Utah prosecutors and law enforcement (criminal enforcement). |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | No new penalty is created; existing criminal penalties for child sexual abuse material offenses apply (including the second-degree felony level for possession or viewing). |
| Topics | children's online safety · AI-generated images |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | H.B. 238, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Amendments, Utah Legislature 2024 ↗ |
More AI rules in Utah
- Utah AI Policy Act · In effect
- HB 452 (Mental Health Chatbots) · In effect
- Utah H.B. 148 (computer-generated CSAM & intimate images count as illegal) · In effect
- Utah S.B. 131 (AI-generated political ads must say 'generated by AI') · In effect
- Utah S.B. 226 (must disclose you're talking to AI on request; AI use no excuse) · In effect
- Utah S.B. 180 (AI-written police reports need a disclaimer + officer sign-off) · In effect
Related children's online safety rules elsewhere
- TAKE IT DOWN Act · In effect
- COPPA + 2025 Rule (childrens data) · In effect
- AI Companion Safeguards Law · In effect
- CT SB 5 (2026 AI Act) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- SB 1546 (OR Chatbot Safety) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- SB 540 (GA Chatbot Safety) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
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