Utah lawmakers recall and amend controversial records bill for further study

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Legislature on Monday recalled and amended a controversial bill that would restrict access to government documents, pushing back its effective date after public protests that it would gut the state's open records act.

Gov. Gary Herbert met with legislative leaders earlier in the day to threaten to veto HB477 if lawmakers didn't recall it. He also met with the House GOP caucus and Republican Senate leadership in the afternoon to discuss his concerns.

After recalling the bill, the Senate voted 23-6 to change the effective date to July 1, 2011. The House concurred with the amendment 42-29. No other changes were considered to the bill.

HB477 would largely exempt the legislative branch from the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) as well as several forms of communication, including voice mail and text messaging. It would also raise fees for some requests and give state agencies more time to respond to requests.

Many lawmakers said it was needed to protect private correspondence with their constituents. The bill was introduced and passed in just over two days.

The governor is expected to call a special session before July 1 to implement any changes. House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, said a working group would consider rolling back proposed fee increases for records requests, among other changes.

"We're listening to the constituents, and they're saying, 'We'd like to talk about this a little more.' We're responding to that," Lockhart said, as well as the issues raised by the governor.

She declined, however, to say the bill was approved too hastily. "I'm not going to apologize for the House process," the speaker said.

Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, also defended the process saying  it will now get another 90 days of consideration. “We need a little more time,” he said.

In a statement, Herbert said: "I am pleased the Legislature recalled the bill and I’m encouraged they are committed to amending the bill in order to provide for a more thorough and deliberative process. Good public policy demands good public participation. I reiterate my commitment to the principles of open and transparent government."

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, who voted against HB477 last week, suggested forming a working group made up of lawmakers, governor's staff, media and the public to study the issue.