Bill > HB0551

This bill modifies provisions related to government records access by introducing a new definition for "subject of a record request" to include individuals named in or directly involved in the creation of a requested record, and clarifies that such individuals cannot participate in the governmental entity's review or response to the request. It also amends the process for responding to record requests by requiring governmental entities to notify requesters within five business days if their request for expedited processing is denied because it doesn't benefit the public, and explicitly states that the subject of a record request cannot participate in the review or response process. Furthermore, the bill adds a provision that individuals who authored, signed, or were directly involved in creating a record cannot make the final decision on its classification, and this also applies if the classification occurs after a request is made, preventing the subject of the request from making that final decision. Finally, it requires political subdivisions to prohibit individuals who are the subject of a record request from participating in the review, response, or appeal process related to that request.

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0551.html