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Panel recommends victim-anonymity option for public charging documents, with safeguards for court access
Summary
The House Judiciary Committee unanimously recommended HB 102, a second substitute that allows crime victims to request initials instead of full names on public documents while preserving full-name access via court order and excluding protective orders and stalking injunctions.
Representative Hayes presented the second substitute to HB 102, which would allow victims of crime to request that their initials, rather than full names, appear on publicly available documents such as police reports and charging documents. Hayes emphasized a clear carve-out: the rule would not apply to criminal protective orders or stalking injunctions, where full identification is necessary.
Supporters included Megan Mills of the Statewide Association of Prosecutors, Brett Robinson (chief policy advisor, Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office), and Marlise Jones of the Victim Services Commission, who said the measure standardizes practices that some offices already apply and makes privacy options more consistently available early in the process. Christopher Bramwell, Utah’s chief privacy officer, said his office has received complaints about victim names made public and sees value in balancing privacy and public interest.
Seth Stewart, an online commenter, warned the committee about potential effects on the accused’s confrontation rights and speedy-trial interests. Representative Miller and the sponsor discussed safeguards on discovery and confirmed that defense counsel and investigators would have access to full names through discovery and court processes.
Representative Miller moved and the committee favorably recommended the second substitute to HB 102; the roll call recorded unanimous support. The bill now goes to the House floor for consideration.
Next steps: HB 102 was recommended to the House; committee sponsors said the bill standardizes existing options and includes record access by court order to address confrontation concerns.
