Lawmakers are considering major changes to Utah's open records law

By: Annie Knox, Andrew Adams and Courtney Johns, KSL-TV, February 11, 2025 

In a major change, lawmakers are discussing removing a key test used to settle disputes over public records that weighs the public’s benefit and interest in learning the information against privacy concerns.  

When cities, police departments or other government agencies grant requests for records, that public interest factor is a common reason behind the decision. Taking it away would tip the scale toward secrecy, said Reymann, who’s representing the Utah Media Coalition in negotiations with lawmakers on the measures. 

Also under consideration by McKell and his colleagues: preventing those fighting for records from recouping attorney fees if they win in court and a judge determines the government agency’s legal position was unreasonable.