Resolution defining use of legislative seal passes unanimously

Citizens may not see Utah's legislative seal anywhere but on official legislative business from now on.

HJR8, defining the parameters of seal use, was passed unanimously by the Senate Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Committee on Monday. Proposed legislation would prohibit the misuse of legislative seals and legislative letterhead.

The resolution's sponsor, Rep. Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, became aware of a related controversial issue when a former lawmaker requested a reprint of legislative letterhead and was denied because he was no longer an elected official.

Lockhart said this resolution would "protect the reputation and integrity of the legislative institution" and reserve the seal for use by legislators holding current office.