Lawmakers who regret HB477 | Buzz Blog
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Lawmakers who regret HB477

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Multiple legislators have expressed regret regarding their votes in favor of HB 477, a bill that would grant the Legislature special privileges to privacy and make records requests of all kinds more expensive yet limited. The bill has been decried nearly universally.--- 

This change of heart came after a meeting with Gov. Gary Herbert's office. Herbert has not yet taken a stand on the bill. Though the bill was passed by a veto-proof majority, that majority could erode if more lawmakers join the crew below who says they regret the vote.

If you are a lawmaker who wants to be recognized as regretting your vote on HB 477, please contact me. If you know of a lawmaker who had made public statements regretting his or her vote on HB 477, also please contact me.

For ongoing coverage of HB 477, go to http://www.cityweekly.net/hb477

Sen. Dan Liljenquist, R-Bountiful, a potential candidate for the U.S. House next year:

"I think the Legislature should reconsider our action on HB477. We need more time to study its implications. #utpol #utleg" (link)

Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, and potential candidate for the U.S. House next year:

"I believe that hb477 was a mistake. I've made my feelings known to the media. I've also met personally w/the Gov. #utpol" (link)

"I met with the Governor this morning and am trying to coordinate a recall of the bill. #utpol" (link)

Rep. Holly Richardson, R-Pleasant Grove, also author of Holly on the Hill blog:

"Me RT @cboyack: Two legislators in 10 mins. Who's next? RT @SenatorDanL I think the #utleg should reconsider our action on #HB477 #utpol" (link)

Rep. Mark Wheatley, D-Murray:

"I regret my vote." (sent in e-mail to City Weekly)

Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem: 

"...this law may have gone too far." (link)

Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake

-spoke against the bill on the Senate floor on around 3:20 p.m. on 3-7-11. Quote not available.

This is also a good place to point out that Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, was the only Republican to vote against HB 477 (though he voted for it in committee earlier Friday, he voted against it a few hours later on the Senate floor).

Additionally, the Utah Democratic Caucus today officially supported the move to recall HB 477. Most of the Democratic caucus in both chambers voted against HB 477.