Utah lawmakers debate GRAMA transparency bill amidst strong public opposition

The Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee convened on February 18, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). The meeting featured a range of opinions from various stakeholders, highlighting concerns about transparency and the implications of shifting the appeal process to a judicial system.

The session began with Jared Tingey, legal director for the League of Cities and Towns, expressing support for the bill. He emphasized the importance of having legal expertise in handling GRAMA requests and appeals, arguing that this would enhance the process for cities and towns involved in responding to such requests.

In contrast, Justin Areola, a small business owner, voiced strong opposition to the bill. He highlighted the critical role of the GRAMA process in uncovering inappropriate sharing of sensitive information within state agencies. Areola argued that the proposed changes could undermine the committee's ability to hear appeals effectively.

Jennifer Garner raised concerns about the potential for bias if the appeals process were centralized under a single judge, suggesting that this could lead to a lack of transparency. She pointed out that the current committee structure allows for broader representation and input from various stakeholders.

Tom Harrelson, a veteran journalist and former member of the State Records Committee, echoed these sentiments, stating that the committee serves as a vital mechanism for public accountability. He noted that the majority of the committee's decisions are upheld by courts, indicating its effectiveness.

Several other speakers, including Kathy Adams and Carrie Bartholomew, reinforced the call for transparency, arguing that the proposed changes could hinder citizens' access to information. Bartholomew specifically mentioned the importance of transparency in educational settings, advocating for a committee-based approach rather than a single judge.

As the meeting progressed, concerns about the bill's implications for government accountability were voiced by multiple participants. John Gadd, an attorney, warned that consolidating power under the governor could lead to conflicts of interest, particularly given recent controversies involving state leadership.

The committee also heard from Tracy Taylor of the Wasatch Taxpayers Association, who emphasized the need for a legislative audit of GRAMA denials to better understand the backlog issues. She argued against the proposed changes, advocating for the current committee structure to remain intact.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions revealed a strong consensus among many participants against the proposed bill, citing concerns over transparency, accountability, and the potential for increased governmental control over public records. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining a system that allows for citizen engagement and oversight in government operations. Further deliberation and study of the bill were suggested before any decisions are made.