Bill > SB0218

This bill amends numerous sections of Utah law to add a consistent warning statement to various types of petitions and signature-gathering processes. The key provision is that for most types of petitions - including those for municipal elections, school district consolidations, political party registration, candidate nominations, and ballot initiatives - the first page must now include a warning statement that reads: "WARNING TO SIGNERS WITH PRIVATE VOTER REGISTRATION RECORDS: Your name, address, and certain other personal information may be publicly disclosed if you sign this petition. This disclosure may occur even if your voter registration record has been classified as a private record at your request." Additionally, the bill creates a new section (20A-1-1004) that clarifies that when a person with a private voter registration record signs a petition, their personal information can be disclosed to the same extent as a public individual's information, but only in direct relation to the petition process such as signature verification or removal. This change aims to ensure that individuals understand their personal information may become public when signing petitions, regardless of their prior privacy classification. The bill will take effect on May 7, 2025, giving time for election officials and potential petition signers to become aware of the new requirements.