A bill that sailed through the Utah legislature in 72 hours and would have restricted access to government documents has been put on hold at the request of the state’s governor.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune the bill would “prohibit the disclosure of text messages and instant messages, allow government agencies to charge fees that can include administrative and overhead costs and require requesters wanting records protected by the government to show with a preponderance of evidence the records should be released.”
In a statement, Gov. Gary Herbert said he was committed to “the principles of open and transparent government.”
Senate President Michael Waddoups said the delay would provide a 90-day window for legislators, the governor and the press to discuss modifications to the bill.