Utah House approves voter-information bill after months of negotiation, adds protections and media exemption

The House passed fifth substitute Senate Bill 36 on March 13, advancing months of negotiation after publicity concerns earlier in the session about public dissemination of voter registration information. Representative Perry, the floor sponsor, described the bill as the product of intensive collaboration that would "protect voters including birth dates" while preserving a media exemption so reporters could still verify records when appropriate.

Representative Edwards moved to replace the fourth substitute with a fifth substitute that wraps together related measures and, he said, implements protections for vulnerable voters and tailored criminal and civil penalties. Sponsors emphasized the bill's compromise nature and the inclusion of mechanisms to protect individuals who say their safety is threatened.

Representative Perry told members the bill was responsive to the earlier firestorm and constituent contacts: "We all know that we had an ember that got out. People found out that their public information as a registered voter became public, and somebody printed it online. ... Please protect my records," he said capturing the constituent concerns that drove the bill.

The House adopted the substitute and recorded final passage with 74 yes votes and 0 no votes. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration and signature.

Why it matters: the bill changes what voter registration information is publicly accessible and seeks to balance privacy and transparency, including an explicit media exemption so reporters can obtain necessary verification information for legitimate reporting.

Next steps: returned to the Senate for further consideration; the sponsors indicated continued cooperation with affected parties during subsequent implementation.