When Herriman resident Doug Fiefia decided to run for Utah’s House of Representatives in late 2023, he never imagined that fewer than two years later, he’d end up co-chairing the National Task Force on State AI Policy, a nationwide committee on artificial intelligence. “It’s an honor, and I see it as a responsibility to help bridge the gap between the tech world and the policymaking world,” Fiefia said.

In July, Rep. Doug Fiefia and Herriman’s Mayor Palmer received awards from the Liahona-Saineha Alumni Association in recognition of their public service. (Photo courtesy Doug Fiefia)

In pursuit of the fabled American dream, his parents immigrated from Tonga in the 1970s. As a first-generation American, Fiefia attributed his family’s survival and prosperity to hard work and sacrifice. From a humble childhood in South Jordan, he earned bachelor’s degrees in both marketing and business administration from Utah State University and later, an MBA from Rice University. 

After his education, he worked in sales for companies like Google and Workday while owning his own construction company and founding a nonprofit, Raise the Tide, that serves minority groups. “[Fiefia] saw that in America, anything is possible, especially in Utah,” his website says.

“I’m living proof that the American dream is real,” he said when he announced his candidacy. “That same American dream is at risk of fading for the next generation, and that is why I’ve decided to run for the Utah House of Representatives.” 

From 1992 to 1994, Fiefia’s uncle also served in the state House of Representatives, making Fiefia the second Polynesian state legislator in Utah’s history when he was elected for District 48 last year.

At Buckner’s  2025 Business Innovation Summit, Doug Fiefia, strategist Tim Nielsen and cybersecurity lawyer Romaine Marshall spoke on AI and cybersecurity. (Photo courtesy Doug Fiefia)

In July, he was selected as co-chairman of the brand-new National Task Force on State AI Policy, formed by Future Caucus, a national nonprofit dedicated to fostering collaboration between young legislators from both political parties. The goal of the task force is to make certain that AI policy is not influenced by partisan differences but instead by responsible and effective principles of governance. The other co-chair is Vermont Rep. Monique Priestley.

Many lawmakers and groups believe that the task force wasn’t created a moment too soon. “There’s an urgent need for practical, bipartisan leadership that addresses how AI is already affecting jobs, education, public safety, democracy and the future of governance,” the Future Caucus website says.

“Working in the technology sector, I see innovation and transformation every day, especially with developments in machine learning and generative artificial intelligence,” Fiefia said on his website. “Technology is rapidly changing, and there is a need for ethical guidelines, transparency and oversight.” 

Doug Fiefia and Bluffdale legislators competed in a good-natured softball game in July to raise money for Adaptive Arena, a Bluffdale gym for disabled athletes. Left to right: Utah Rep. Mark Strong, Utah Rep. Calvin Roberts, Rep. Doug Fiefia and Utah State Sen. Daniel McKay. (Photo courtesy Doug Fiefia)

Though not all lawmakers on the task force have technological experience, AI is shaping their policy areas as never before. Members must maneuver between regulation, technological development and public trust. “This task force serves as a resource to help state legislators connect the dots… and engage confidently with AI as a cross-cutting issue touching every aspect of public life,” Future Caucus website says.

“This isn’t about one state figuring it out alone—it’s about sharing knowledge, learning from each other and making sure the public can trust the technology that’s shaping their daily lives,” Fiefia said.

Aiming to provide multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the task force will conduct public hearings and confidential briefings, share industry best practices and offer tools and resources for lawmakers. To help guide AI policies across the U.S., the group will also inform influencers, present at policy events, facilitate collaboration, provide AI policy support for lawmakers and find existing policy solutions.

Doug Fiefia will serve with fellow co-chair Monique Priestley on Future Caucus’ National Task Force on State AI Policy. (Courtesy Doug Fiefia)

“As co-chair, my job is to help guide the committee’s work, set priorities and make sure we’re asking the right questions. It’s about facilitating conversations across states so we’re all on the same page,” Fiefia said. “We may not all agree on every point, but we’ll make sure everyone has the full picture to make the best decisions and, when needed, draft legislation for our states.”

Fiefia affirms that his previous employment in technology played a big role in his appointment as co-chair. “I hope to bring my experience, background and a focus on building consensus so we can find common ground, even when our approaches differ,” he said. “I believe I was selected because I worked in Big Tech and now serve as a legislator, and I run one of the most significant tech policy bills in Utah, the Digital Choice Act.”

An addition to the Utah Consumer Privacy Act, the Digital Choice Act, sponsored by Fiefia, was signed into law on March 27 by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. 

Doug Fiefia, his wife, Jocelyn, and their children sit on the steps at the Utah Capitol Building. Left to right: Tomenika, Elenoa, Jocelyn, Douglas Jr., Doug and Melolini. (Photo courtesy Doug Fiefia)

Some provisions included in the bill involve social media data control and competition; consumer social media data rights; data exchange between systems, social media and services; regulation and enforcement by the Division of Consumer Protection; penalties; and severability clauses.

“I am committed to a balanced approach of protecting the privacy of individuals and families while allowing individuals and businesses to be innovative,” Fiefia said. “I’m excited because AI is moving fast—faster than most policy can keep up. This task force [and the Digital Choice Act provide] a chance to bring together lawmakers, experts and industry leaders to talk through both the opportunities and the risks. I’m looking forward to making sure states aren’t just reacting to technology… but are proactive in protecting citizens and encouraging innovation.”