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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Gov. Jon Huntsman has signed a bill into law to prohibit judges from awarding attorney fees to people who successfully sue the government over issues of broad public concern.
Some say the bill will inhibit efforts to keep government accountable, but county attorneys statewide support the measure.
Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, sent a letter signed by more than 30 House members from both parties to Huntsman urging him to veto the bill.
The legislation stops the awarding of legal fees under the Private Attorney General Doctrine, which became part of case law in 1994 with a state Supreme Court ruling.
Huntsman's spokeswoman, Lisa Roskelley, says he signed the bill after extensive deliberation and hearing from both sides.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
