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SALT LAKE CITY — The bill known as HB477 came down at the last minute. Lawmakers argued public records requests, under the statute known as GRAMA, had become too unwieldy, intrusive and expensive, too outdated — not adequate for things like text messages.
"I felt sorry because all they probably know was what they had read in the paper or heard on the news. I don't know if they took the time to read the bill," said Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, of his fellow lawmakers.
HB477 breezed through both houses, sparking immediate outcry.
"It's telling that this bill was introduced and will go from start to finish in half the time it would take to process an expedited GRAMA request," one woman said, testifying before a panel of legislators. "What does that say about what is happening today?"
"What the bill would do, it would make all communications and records regarding a legislator's performance of the official duties off limits to the public. That's wrong," said Jeff Hunt, attorney for the Utah Media Coalition.
Gov. Gary Herbert signed the bill, saying it would allow more time to discuss further changes. But protesters soon converged on Capitol Hill with clear message: repeal HB477.
"I apologize if it went fast; and as a result, we're making amendments and making sure the public will have a chance (to provide input)," said Senate President Michael Waddoups.
The nation's largest journalism group weighed in, giving a first-ever "Black Hole Award," saying the new law made Utah the most secretive state.
"This pretty much takes the cake here in Utah," said David Cuillier, of the Society of Professional Journalists Freedom of Information Committee. "(It's) more secretive than Mexico, more secretive than Kirghistan — a former Soviet republic."
Opponents launched a petition drive to gather 95,000 signatures to put the matter on the ballot. They spanned the political spectrum from Salt Lake's progressive former mayor to a Tea Party organizer.
"It was the only bill on the Hill I think was universally reviled by everybody," said local Tea Party organizer David Kirkham.
Polls showed an overwhelming majority of the public opposed the bill. And three weeks after the GOP majority originally passed it, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to repeal it.
"I think we need to take a step back," said House Speaker Becky Lockhart.
Email: jdaley@ksl.com
