July 22, 2025
Dear Team Commerce,
As we celebrate Pioneer Day, reflecting on our state’s heritage and connection to our nation is important. We’re also counting down to the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4, 2026. Governor Spencer Cox and Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson have invited all Utahns to join in this “Year of Celebration and Service.” I encourage you to participate in America250 Utah’s events and programs that unite and inspire our communities.
Our country’s founding marked a transformative and innovative period in governance and human rights. This spirit continues to drive us, specifically with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and ongoing government reforms like the GRIT program.
Advancing Responsible AI and Protecting Our Youth Online
Today, Utah is showcasing its innovative spirit, especially in AI. A recent bipartisan victory in the Senate removed a provision from the Big Beautiful Bill that would have restricted state regulation of AI for five years. Governor Cox opposed this moratorium, arguing that it is essential for states to regulate the implementation of AI tools to protect our citizens while still investing in AI infrastructure and allowing innovation to flourish.
Utah is gaining international recognition for its unique model of AI regulation, which aims to establish safeguards around the most hazardous applications of AI, particularly in mental health and therapy spaces. This thoughtful approach enables us to harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks related to mental health issues, deepfake misuse, and self-harm concerns stemming from AI chatbots. Utah is setting a precedent in AI governance by responding more rapidly to emerging threats than federal legislation.
In line with our commitment to innovation and holding social media companies accountable, Commerce, the Governor, and the Attorney General have filed a lawsuit against Snapchat. This action addresses the company’s exploitation of children through addictive design features and unsafe AI interactions. This is our fourth lawsuit against a major social media platform, following coordinated efforts against Meta and TikTok, demonstrating our dedication to protecting young people from harmful practices.
GRIT Initiative
The GRIT program is at the heart of our innovation, which goes beyond cost efficiency to improve the quality of public service. GRIT cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within state agencies, promoting creative thinking and streamlined processes to better serve our community. Since its launch in May, agencies have submitted numerous efficiency proposals. The governor’s team is reviewing and ranking these submissions, with further details expected soon.
GRIT is committed to raising public service standards. The program aims to reduce wait times for services and enhance taxpayer satisfaction. Each initiative, no matter its financial impact, supports our goal of creating a more efficient and responsive government. Let’s embrace this opportunity to redefine public service and establish a lasting legacy of innovation.
DOPL Structural Reorganization for Enhanced Service
We’ve recently made significant structural changes within the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) as well as in Commerce Administration and, to a lesser extent, Corporations. These changes are strategically designed to foster innovation, enhance operational efficiency, improve communication, and elevate the overall culture within Commerce by streamlining resource allocation and forming smaller, more agile teams within DOPL. These adjustments will help us allocate resources more effectively and create agile teams.
This restructuring allows DOPL Director Mark Steinagel to focus on critical areas like mentorship, effective communication, cultural development, innovation, and training. Smaller teams will enhance communication internally and across Commerce.
We appreciate everyone’s effort during this transition. These changes are designed to strengthen communication and culture, ultimately enabling us to better serve Utahns.
Important Parking and Performance System Updates
As a reminder, do not park in reserved Commerce stalls if you use the Wells Fargo Garage as overflow for P2. These specific spots are designated for state cars only. When using a day pass, please park in any other unmarked stall instead. Additionally, we ask that you double-check for available spots in P2 before leaving for the Wells Fargo Garage. We are currently tracking day pass usage to monitor parking numbers. Please continue to provide us feedback if you have logistical issues as we continue to adjust to these changes.
The Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) is introducing a new HR system called “Vantage.” Vantage will consolidate all HR functions into a single platform, including payroll in the future. Currently, the performance management system is live, and we are transitioning from a four-rating to a five-rating system to better differentiate employee performance, especially for those below “Successful.”
The new rating tiers are Unsuccessful, Needs Improvement, Successful (eligible for P4P rewards), Highly Successful, and Exceptional. For the recently completed quarter (April-June), P4P evaluations will continue using the existing Google Sheets method. Starting with the July-September quarter, we will enter evaluations into Vantage and utilize the new five-rating system. DHRM will soon provide training on the new system.
I want to express my gratitude to all of you. The recent changes, including new parking guidelines, an updated performance management system, and the DOPL reorganization, have brought significant challenges. Your hard work and adaptability mean so much to our department and the Utahns we serve.
Congratulations to everyone who received a Pay for Performance award for Fiscal Year 2025; you’ll see this in your next paycheck (August 1). Thank you for your dedication to Team Commerce.
Warm regards,
Margaret Busse
