Utah 2023 Regular Session

Utah House Bill HB0309

Introduced
1/30/23  
Refer
2/9/23  
Report Pass
2/14/23  
Engrossed
2/17/23  
Refer
2/17/23  
Report Pass
2/22/23  
Enrolled
3/10/23  

Caption

County Recorder Amendments

Impact

The implications of HB 0309 on state laws are significant as it enhances the confidentiality of personal information contained in public records. By allowing individuals to request the redaction of sensitive data, the bill aims to safeguard privacy while still maintaining public access to essential documents. The establishment of these procedures is intended to align with modern standards of data protection amidst increasing concerns surrounding individual privacy in a digital age.

Summary

House Bill 0309, known as the County Recorder Amendments, primarily aims to establish provisions for the redaction of certain personal information from originally recorded instruments. The bill stipulates that individuals may request a redacted version of their recorded documents, ensuring their personal data—such as signatures, partial social security numbers, and birth dates—are protected from public access. It further specifies that a fee of $5 may be charged for this service, allowing county recorders to generate redacted copies of documents while preserving the original versions on file.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0309 appears largely positive, with support from privacy advocates and individuals who value the protection of personal information in public records. The measure is viewed as a necessary step towards modernizing county recording practices and addressing the public's concerns about privacy. However, there are also voices cautioning against potential misuse of the redaction process, ensuring that the bill does not inadvertently allow for the obfuscation of legitimate public records.

Contention

While the bill's provisions are generally well-received, notable points of contention have arisen regarding the implications of charging fees for redaction and the potential administrative burden on county recorders. Some stakeholders express concerns that the fees might pose a barrier for low-income individuals seeking to protect their information, which could lead to inequities in access to redacted records. Additionally, the bill's implementation may require additional training and resources for county recorders to efficiently handle the new submission and redaction requests.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

UT HB0069

Government Records and Information Amendments

UT HB0129

Adoption Records Access Amendments

UT HB0309

Driver License Amendments

UT HB0351

County Recorder Modifications

UT HB0414

Records Management Amendments

UT SB0277

Government Records Management Amendments

UT HB0213

Crime Victim Records Amendments

UT SB0163

Government Records Amendments

UT HB0270

Voter Registration Records Amendments

UT HB0399

Government Record Amendments

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