Utah House backs resolution urging release of JFK investigation records amid split debate

House Joint Resolution 13, urging the release of sealed records from the House Select Committee on Assassinations, passed the Utah House in a floor vote after an extended and at times contentious debate.

Representative Atkinson, sponsor of HJR13, framed the measure as a Freedom of Information request rather than an endorsement of conspiracy theories. "The whole purpose of this resolution ... is to counter what the film said," Atkinson said, arguing that sealed files set to remain closed until 2029 warranted reconsideration. He noted support from members of the original committee and from other states pursuing similar resolutions.

Opponents said the resolution risked endorsing the conspiracy framing, in part spurred by the recent film JFK. Representative Tanner cautioned that passage could appear to signal Utah's acceptance of an alternate narrative and urged careful consideration. The body debated whether the resolution simply sought public access or effectively challenged the Warren Commission's findings.

After extended remarks for and against, Representative Atkinson summed up that the resolution did not assert a state belief in a conspiracy but advocated release of records: "We have nothing to hide in The United States Of America ... the information gathered ... can be read by us, the people." The House approved HJR13 on a recorded vote of 48 in favor and 20 opposed and the resolution was forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

Next steps: the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate; release of federal records is ultimately controlled at the federal level and the resolution functions as a formal state request to Congress and relevant federal custodians.