Commerce News & Announcements

Strengthening trust in Utah’s commercial activities and protecting consumers was the driving commitment behind every milestone the Department of Commerce achieved in 2025. This past year saw us launch the Office of the Homeowners’ Association and host the Utah AI Summit, successes that clearly mark 2025 as a landmark year for our department. These achievements are a testament to our...

Utah becomes the first state to safely evaluate autonomous AI for prescription renewals for chronic conditions SALT LAKE CITY—The state of Utah, through the Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Doctronic, the AI-native health platform, to give patients with chronic conditions a faster, automated way to renew medications. This agreement marks the first state-approved...

The founder of HITRECORD will discuss balancing innovation with fundamental safety standards, particularly concerning children SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The2025 Utah AI Summit (Summit), Utah’s Pro-Human Leadership in the Age of AI, is excited to announce that Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated American actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt has joined the lineup of featured speakers. Mr. Gordon-Levitt will speak on December 2 at the Salt Palace in...

The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing joins a nationwide enforcement effort to combat contractor licensing violations in Utah. Salt Lake City, Utah – The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) announced the conclusion of a significant enforcement initiative across the State, targeting violations of construction licensing laws as part of a national campaign. This effort resulted in...

The final judgment against Safeguard Metals LLC and Jeffrey Ikahn orders restitution and a civil monetary penalty; underscores commitment to protect seniors from investment fraud Salt Lake City—Utah’s Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities (Division), represented by the Office of the Utah Attorney General (OAG), today announced that the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California recently entered a...

Engage with visionaries and industry leaders in groundbreaking conversations about how Utah is leading the way in the age of AI.  SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Utah will elevate its role in the AI landscape by hosting its 2025 AI Summit, “Utah’s Pro-Human Leadership in the Age of AI,” on Dec. 1-2, 2025, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake...

Updated Guidance from DOPL Aligns with ACIP Recommendations Amid Ongoing CDC Review of Vaccine Administration Policies Salt Lake City—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) has issued an important guidance letter to pharmacists, clarifying the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with recent recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Currently, individuals aged six months...

Kars-R-Us.com and its operators raised millions, but only a fraction of donations went to fund breast cancer screenings, the FTC and Utah allege Salt Lake City—Utah and the Federal Trade Commission filed an agreement in federal court today with Kars-R-Us.com and its operators, who are accused of having devised a national charity fraud scheme with more than $45.5 million in...

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Belgian national in the United States operated a $5 million Ponzi scheme over the course of five years was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Kenny Dirk Van Der Spek, 36, who was living in South Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering in May 2025, after he defrauded approximately...