Committee clears process for county digital-record authentication after industry negotiation
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Summary
HB 319 sets a process for counties to propose digital-authentication pilots (digital identity, blockchain, other tech) to the state archivist and DTS; recorders and title industry input shaped the draft and the committee approved a second substitute plus amendment.
Representative Cutler’s HB 319 (second substitute with amendment) creates a process whereby a county recorder may propose a digital-authentication method for county records — for example, state-endorsed digital identity credentials or immutable filing mechanisms — to the state archivist and Department of Technology Services for evaluation and approval. The goal is to enable optional, secure digital recording without mandating statewide replacement of paper systems.
The bill does not force counties to adopt digital authentication; instead it sets procedural standards and stakeholder review steps (DTS, title companies, county recorders, state archivist) for pilots. Title companies and county recorders negotiated changes that removed provisions they found problematic; recorders and the Utah Association of Counties testified in support of the revised second substitute. Witnesses cautioned about technical risks (chain-of-custody, blockchain 51% attacks) and urged careful, phased adoption.
The committee adopted the second substitute and subsequently a house amendment, then voted unanimously to favorably recommend HB 319 as amended.