Utah lawmakers propose overhaul of GRAMA records request process

The House Government Operations Committee convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) in Utah. The meeting focused on a bill aimed at streamlining the records request process, which has faced criticism for delays and inefficiencies.

The session began with a discussion on the bill's implications for public access to government records. Concerns were raised about the potential for increased power concentration in a single director, who would have the authority to classify records as private without public input. Ken Williams, the State Archivist, clarified that the current process for classifying records would remain unchanged, emphasizing that records are classified at the time of request and that individuals can appeal decisions through established channels.

Committee members expressed mixed feelings about the proposed changes. Some highlighted the need for reform due to the significant backlog of records requests, which can take an average of 156 days to process. The bill aims to reduce this timeframe by appointing a full-time administrative law judge to oversee requests, rather than relying on a seven-member committee that meets monthly. Proponents argue that this change would lead to quicker resolutions and improved efficiency.

However, several representatives voiced concerns regarding the potential for favoritism and political interference in the decision-making process. They questioned the safeguards in place to prevent abuse of power and emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in government operations. The bill's supporters countered that the proposed changes would not alter the fundamental standards for records access and that the balancing test for public interest would still apply.

Public comments reflected a range of opinions. Some citizens expressed skepticism about the consolidation of decision-making power, fearing it could lead to less transparency and greater difficulty in accessing public records. Others supported the bill, citing the need for a more efficient system to handle the growing volume of records requests.

As the meeting concluded, the committee voted to adopt a third substitute of the bill, which included amendments aimed at addressing some of the concerns raised during discussions. The bill will now move forward for further consideration, with ongoing discussions anticipated regarding its impact on public access to government records and the overall efficiency of the GRAMA process.