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A recent KSL editorial voiced concern about an effort underway on Capitol Hill to change Utah's 14-year-old Government Records Access and Management Act, or GRAMA.
Representative Douglas Aagard of Kaysville chaired a legislative task force charged with reviewing GRAMA. He disputes KSL's concern that legislation under consideration would weaken GRAMA:
"The task force is not proposing a major overhaul of GRAMA. On the contrary, what is being proposed is completely consistent with the original intent of GRAMA.
The intent language of GRAMA recognized two constitutional rights, first 'the public's right of access to information concerning the conduct of the public's business;' and second, 'the right of privacy in relation to personal data gathered by governmental entities.' The task force sought to balance these two rights when any proposal was suggested."
In his response, Rep. Aagard describes three bills his task force has proposed to modify GRAMA, and says:
"The media has not wanted to present these clear policy issues in their editorials or reporting. Utah citizens need to understand what is at stake. Most citizens, when they understand the issues, side with the Task Force."
A complete text of Rep. Aagard's response, including his explanation of the three measures in question, can be found on our website at www.ksl.com.
