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House passes opt‑out for voter birthdates, preserves government access
Summary
First substitute House Bill 304 passed 66–4 to let Utah voters opt out of making their date of birth public on registration records; sponsors said election integrity and law‑enforcement access are preserved while giving individuals control over sensitive data.
The Utah House passed a substitute to House Bill 304 on Feb. 28 that would let voters choose to keep their date of birth off public voter‑registration records.
"This bill attempts to balance the importance of protecting sensitive personal information as well as the public's right to have access to that important information," said Representative Edwards, the sponsor, who described multiple opt‑out opportunities — on the voter registration form, at the DMV, when applying for an absentee ballot and at county clerk offices — and said public‑safety uses and petition verification remain available under existing code.
Supporters said many constituents were surprised that a birth date is publicly accessible and likened government sale of that data to an unacceptable exposure of personal information. Representative Greenwood said those he spoke with were unaware the state sells voter data and that such disclosures make citizens uncomfortable.
Representative Edwards told colleagues the substitute is intended as an opt‑out system that preserves election administration needs and protections against fraud; the House recorded the bill's passage by 66 yes votes and 4 no votes and will transmit the measure to the Senate.
Next steps: The bill will be forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
