This bill modifies the Uniform Commercial Code.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
This bill addresses "programmable money" — digital currency that can be encoded with rules to automatically control, restrict, or expire how, where, or by whom it is spent, or that could be used to implement a social credit system — by formally defining the term in Utah's commercial code and excluding it, along with central bank digital currency, from the legal definition of money. If passed, the bill would prohibit anyone from requiring a person to use programmable money for a transaction unless a free, non-digital payment option is also offered, and it would bar issuers of programmable money from denying or restricting transactions based on a person's political opinions, religious beliefs, medical history (including vaccination status), sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, location or purchase history, firearm ownership or firearm-related business activity, involvement in fossil fuel, timber, mining, or agriculture industries, or failure to meet environmental, social, governance, or diversity-related standards. Issuers who deny a transaction would be required to provide a written explanation of the specific reason within a set timeframe upon request, and the bill would allow harmed parties to seek legal remedies, including punitive damages or revocation of an issuer's authorization to do business in Utah. The bill clarifies that it does not restrict the buying or selling of cryptocurrency or other assets by public or private parties.
Current version: SB0298S02 (Substitute)
Introduction
Feb 17
Senate Rules
Senate Committee
Feb 19
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 26
Senate 3rd Reading
Feb 27
House Rules
Mar 3
House Committee
Mar 3
House Floor Vote
Mar 6
Governor Signed
Mar 19
IntroductionFeb 17
Senate Rules
Senate CommitteeFeb 19
Senate 2nd ReadingFeb 26
Senate 3rd ReadingFeb 27
House RulesMar 3
House CommitteeMar 3
House Floor VoteMar 6
Governor SignedMar 19
This bill modifies the Uniform Commercial Code.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
This bill addresses "programmable money" — digital currency that can be encoded with rules to automatically control, restrict, or expire how, where, or by whom it is spent, or that could be used to implement a social credit system — by formally defining the term in Utah's commercial code and excluding it, along with central bank digital currency, from the legal definition of money. If passed, the bill would prohibit anyone from requiring a person to use programmable money for a transaction unless a free, non-digital payment option is also offered, and it would bar issuers of programmable money from denying or restricting transactions based on a person's political opinions, religious beliefs, medical history (including vaccination status), sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, location or purchase history, firearm ownership or firearm-related business activity, involvement in fossil fuel, timber, mining, or agriculture industries, or failure to meet environmental, social, governance, or diversity-related standards. Issuers who deny a transaction would be required to provide a written explanation of the specific reason within a set timeframe upon request, and the bill would allow harmed parties to seek legal remedies, including punitive damages or revocation of an issuer's authorization to do business in Utah. The bill clarifies that it does not restrict the buying or selling of cryptocurrency or other assets by public or private parties.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
Senate/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Senate Secretary
Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing
Senate Secretary
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Senate Secretary
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM