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House passes open-meetings revisions requiring public bodies to record meetings; debate centers on small-community burdens
Summary
The Utah House passed House Bill 16 on Jan. 18, 2006, requiring public bodies to keep unedited audio or other recordings of open meetings and clarifying that non‑agenda items brought up by the public may be discussed but not acted upon; the measure passed 46–26 and now goes to the Senate.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on Jan. 18 passed House Bill 16, a measure that would require public bodies to preserve complete, unedited recordings of open meetings and clarify how non‑agenda items raised by the public are handled.
Sponsor Representative Donaldson, presenting the bill and its amendment, said the measure is aimed at eliminating disputes over handwritten minutes and restoring public trust. "All this does is record everything so that it's there and it's correct," Donaldson said, arguing recordings make it easier to resolve disagreements about what was said.
The bill, as amended, requires governmental entities that hold public meetings to maintain an audio or other recording in addition to existing minute requirements. It also states that when a member of the public raises an…
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