Records Access and
GRAMA Essentials

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1.1. Legislative intent (63G-2-102)

The Government Records Access and Management Act, GRAMA, governs access to government records in Utah. GRAMA is designed to protect both privacy and transparency in government. It creates and describes a classification system within which specific records can be identified so that appropriate access can readily be determined. It establishes a process to appeal the denial of access.

The law begins with a statement that the Utah Legislature intends to balance the public’s right to access information about the conduct of public business with individuals’ rights of privacy in relation to personal information the government gathers about them. It also recognizes the need for the government to restrict certain records for the public good.

63G-2-102. Legislative intent.
(1) In enacting this act, the Legislature recognizes two constitutional rights:
  • (a) the public's right of access to information concerning the conduct of the public's business; and
  • (b) the right of privacy in relation to personal data gathered by governmental entities.
(2) The Legislature also recognizes a public policy interest in allowing a government to restrict access to certain records, as specified in this chapter, for the public good.

The opening paragraphs further state legislative intent to:

Government record officers should consider these objectives when making decisions about whether to provide access to government records.