Senate committee advances GRAMA overhaul after hours of testimony and public opposition

The Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Standing Committee voted to favorably recommend first substitute Senate Bill 277, the Government Record Management Amendments, after extended presentations and extensive public comment.

Supporters told the committee the current State Records Committee (SRC) appeals process has become slow and inconsistent. Sponsor Senator McHale said the substitute “entirely focuses on the process” and would create an administrative law judge with a legal background and training to decide GRAMA appeals more quickly. Rachel Terry, director of risk management for the State of Utah, testified she does “not take a position on the bill” but said litigation and appeals have increased costs and that other states using a similar model “move cases more quickly and efficiently and reach more consistent outcomes.” Jeff Lambert, commissioner of higher education, said classifying records is a legal…