Utah Senate Committee Advances Nomination of Lonny Pehrson as Records Officer
SALT LAKE CITY — In a pivotal meeting on Monday, a Senate committee recommended Lonny Pehrson for the role of state records officer, a position crucial in handling disputes over public records requests. Despite significant opposition from witnesses who urged senators to reject his nomination, Pehrson passed with a 5-2 vote and will now move to the full Senate for final confirmation expected later this month.
Pehrson, 52, has served as an assistant attorney general in Utah since 2016. In his opening statement, he candidly acknowledged the frustrations many experience when his office denies public records requests. "I’ve had countless discussions… regarding records requests," he noted, emphasizing his prior role in advocating for the disclosure of records, even when it wasn’t the popular choice.
While Pehrson promised to handle appeals impartially, concerns were raised about potential biases stemming from his current role within the attorney general’s office. He assured senators that his experience as a clerk for federal courts equipped him with the necessary skills to fairly consider arguments from non-professionals seeking access to records.
If confirmed, Pehrson will oversee appeals regarding denials under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). This newly created position was intended to replace the former State Records Committee, and he pledged to address the backlog of appeals that currently sees requesters waiting months for decisions.
Opponents, including Utah Citizens for the Constitution representatives, expressed unease over Pehrson’s history of denying GRAMA requests. Despite these concerns, Pehrson’s supporters remain optimistic about his ability to enact positive changes in managing public records access in Utah.
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