tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10196564797382189672024-03-19T03:09:55.130-07:00The ACLU of Utah ActivistThe ACLU of Utah operates through public education, legal advocacy, litigation, and lobbying at both the state and local levels to ensure the constitutional rights and freedoms of everyone living in or visiting Utah. Our work is based on those principals outlined in the Bill of Rights.ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-89659319012719322802013-03-14T14:08:00.002-07:002013-03-14T14:08:30.340-07:002013 Legislative Session - Week Six Update <br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span id="yui_3_5_0_1_1363294744054_3577">With time quickly running out at the State Legislature, there was a lot going on, at the Capitol last week. In the House, H.B. 91 Election Day Voter Registration, passed 53 to 14. The vote took place late <a href="" id="yui_3_5_0_1_1363294744054_3890" rel="nofollow">Friday afternoon</a>, and the circumstances were all the more interesting because the bill had been sponsored by members of both parties, before it was finally pushed through by Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck (D). We are excited that H.B. 91 is progressing through the Legislature with strong support, as it would make voting rights more accessible to citizens. Other states with same day voter registration have typically recorded a five to seven precent increase in voter turnout after passing similar laws. Additionally, Utah already allows people to cast provisional ballots, that can be verified after Election Day. H.B. 91 would simply allow the state to count votes cast by individuals who registered on Election Day. With a system of verification already in place, counting the votes cast is a matter of common sense at this point. </span><br /><br />Also in the House, H.B. 387 Vital Statistics Act Amendments, passes with 65 yea votes and no votes in opposition. H.B. 387 amends the definition of "dead fetus" by lowering the threshold to only 16 weeks of gestation. This is down from the typical 20 week threshold used by the CDC. Of course, such a bill could have important consequences for women seeking abortions. Fortunately, lawmakers were very receptive to these concerns, and the bill was amended to exclude abortions. Instead, the stated purpose of the bill is to allow death certificates to be issued for miscarriages, to give families a sense of closure. We are very happy that lawmakers stuck to their stated intentions, and limited the bill accordingly.<br /><br /><span id="yui_3_5_0_1_1363294744054_3822">In the Senate, lawmakers made history by passing S.B. 262 Housing and Employment Antidiscrimination Amendments, out of committee. S.B. 262 protects individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This is a big step towards protecting the rights of the LGBT community, and is a big step forward for Utah on this issue. While a growing number of local governments and businesses have already recognized that such discrimination is a problem, we do not currently have a state wide law addressing the problem. We are very excited that the vote in committee was bipartisan, and are hopeful that we can continue to make progress on this issue, as more people start to embrace the task of ensuring equal protection under the law for all groups. </span><br /><br />As the final four days of the legislative session unfold, we will be fully engaged as law makers make the final push to the end. Check in next week for a recap of the final week, and the session as a whole.</span></div>
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ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-62993138500657460122013-03-04T11:10:00.001-08:002013-03-04T13:36:34.952-08:002013 Legislative Session Week Five Update<blockquote id="yui_3_5_0_1_1362423483591_6642" style="margin: 1em 0px 1em 1em; padding: 0px;" type="cite">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With the legislative session winding down, things are picking up on the Capitol Hill. This change of pace was tangible last week, as bills started to move through the process much more quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the Senate, <b>S.B. 196, License Plate Reader Amendments</b>, passed out of committee and will be heard on the floor. S.B. 196 is important because it limits the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPR) by private groups, and sets up guidelines for use by law enforcement. The bill was given a favorable recommendation after a diverse collection of groups testified in support of the bill. The broad and diverse collection of groups supporting the measure is a testament to just how important the bill is. While ALPR systems are a legitimate tool that can aid law enforcement efforts, they can also be a serious threat to privacy if left unregulated. Because the system has the ability to scan hundreds if not thousands of license plates per minute, and automatically submit that information to a database, ALPR systems allow law enforcement to track a vehicle’s location over time. The consequences of this are serious, as law abiding citizens should be able to move about freely, without being tracked by the government. This problem is only exacerbated by the fact that ALPR systems can reveal very private information such as visits to a doctor’s office, participation at political events, and even one's religious affiliation. Unfortunately, these concerns are not merely hypothetical. In the most famous case of abuse, the NYPD and U.S. intelligence agencies were caught using ALPR systems to track the movements of individuals attending mosques in New York City. Making matters worse, 60% of law enforcement agencies surveyed reported that they keep ALPR data indefinitely. In such cases, citizens’ locations are being tracked and recorded with virtually no oversight. Thus, S.B. 196 is critical to protecting Utahns’ right to privacy, and ensuring oversight for law enforcement. We will continue to support S.B. 196 as it moves through the process, and will keep you informed as things unfold.<br /><br />Unfortunately, not everything moving through the legislature is having a positive impact, and <b>H.B. 44, Election Polling</b>, is one such example. H.B. 44 imposes regulations on organizations that conduct polls in an effort to fight “push polls” . Unfortunately, the bill is written in a way that allows push polling to continue through various loopholes, while organizations with legitimate purposes are potentially harmed. The ACLU has concerns with the burden on speech that this the bill will create if signed. H.B. 44 has now passed both chambers and is awaiting Governor Herbert's signature. We will encourage a veto of the bill.<br /><br />Finally, in the Senate <b>S.B. 225, Immigration Trigger Dates</b>, passed out of committee. The bill would push back the date that the Utah Immigration Accountability and Enforcement Act takes effect. The ACLU of Utah supports the move to push back the start date, as it gives the state more time to look at underlying problems with the law. While we maintain that the underlying Guest Worker program is unconstitutional, it seems that moving the date of implementation is a concession by the legislature of our position.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We will continue to work on these, and other issues over the coming week. Check in again next week for a summary of what will surely be an eventful week.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.acluutah.org/2013-legislative-bills-tracking.html" target="_blank">Check out all of the bills we are actively engaged on or tracking during the 2013 Utah General Legislative Session >></a>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-17883188244317421332013-02-27T10:12:00.001-08:002013-02-27T10:12:33.422-08:00ACTION ALERT! Protect Privacy And Good Law Enforcement Practices - Support S.B. 196 - Email committee members now<br />
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The ACLU of Utah supports SB 196, “License Plate Reader Amendments” because it will protect the privacy rights of Utahns whose movements should not be tracked by law enforcement without cause.</div>
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<li class="maintext" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em;">SB 196 would limit the use of Automatic License Plate Reader (“ALPR”) technology to law enforcement and would require that data collected be kept for no more than 6 months. Access to collected data would require a court-issued warrant.</li>
<li class="maintext" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em;">Currently, ALPRs are used to collect and store information, not just on people suspected of crimes, but on every single motorist, and are increasingly becoming a tool for mass routine location tracking and surveillance.</li>
<li class="maintext" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em;">ALPR is a legitimate tool when used for narrowly tailored law enforcement purposes, such as identifying vehicles that are stolen, involved in a crime, or associated with fugitives. These are reasonable uses of technology because they are focused on people suspected of wrongdoing. But law enforcement agencies are routinely collecting and storing license plate reader-harvested location information on all of us, sometimes indefinitely.</li>
<li class="maintext" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em;">The tracking of people’s movements is a significant invasion of privacy that can reveal many things about our lives, such as what friends, doctors, protests, political events, or churches we visit.</li>
<li class="maintext" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em;">A core principle in our society is that the government does not invade people’s privacy and collect information about citizens’ innocent activities just in case they do something wrong; we are innocent until proven guilty in the United States, not the other way around.</li>
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<span class="boldtext" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13.5px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.25;">SB 196 is being heard in the Senate Transportation and Public Utilities and Technology Committee today; contact your Senator to encourage him or her to support this needed legislation!</span><br />Senator Kevin Van Tassell <a href="mailto:kvantassell@le.utah.gov" style="color: #25547a; line-height: 1.4em;">kvantassell@le.utah.gov</a><br />Senator Margaret Dayton <a href="mailto:mdayton@le.utah.gov" style="color: #25547a; line-height: 1.4em;">mdayton@le.utah.gov</a><br />Senator Wayne Harper <a href="mailto:wharper@le.utah.gov" style="color: #25547a; line-height: 1.4em;">wharper@le.utah.gov</a><br />Senator Karen Mayne <a href="mailto:kmayne@le.utah.gov" style="color: #25547a; line-height: 1.4em;">kmayne@le.utah.gov</a><br />Senator J. Stuart Adams <a href="mailto:jsadams@le.utah.gov" style="color: #25547a; line-height: 1.4em;">jsadams@le.utah.gov</a></div>
ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-65020781024271768162013-02-26T12:06:00.003-08:002013-02-26T12:06:46.933-08:002013 Utah General Legislative Session - ACLU of Utah Bill Tracking<br />
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The decisions made by state lawmakers have a lasting impact on our communities. During the legislative session the ACLU of Utah maintains an active presence at the State Capitol tracking and advocating for, or against, bills that raise civil liberties issues to ensure that legislation strengthen, rather than compromise, our constitutional rights.</div>
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<a href="http://www.acluutah.org/2013-legislative-bills-tracking.html" target="_blank">Click here to see a list of bills that we are actively engaged on or tracking during the 2013 Utah General Legislative Session. </a></div>
ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-52675633638934490902013-02-26T10:18:00.001-08:002013-02-26T11:04:05.420-08:002013 Legislative Session - Week Four Update <br />
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As promised we have more information on <b>H.B. 43, Campaign Finance Reporting by Corporations,</b> in the House. Last week H.B. 43 passed out of committee. As we previously discussed, H.B. 43 has very serious implications as it would lead to less transparency in the political process, while jeopardizing the privacy of individual citizens. As of Monday afternoon of this week, H.B. 43 passed out of the House, in spite of some very pertinent concerns raised during debate. Some of the key concerns raised during the floor debate included; the fact that the bill would chill First Amendment speech for smaller organizations, without sophisticated legal teams, the inevitable formation of countless new "shell corporations" that complicate and obscure the political process, and finally the idea that people exercising their most basic rights will now be subject to retaliation and intimidation. As we have previously reported, we are extremely concerned about the damage this bill could do to our political process in Utah, because of all of these unintended consequences and more. As the bill moves forward, we will be fully engaged with senators to avert the kind of damage that would come with passage of H.B. 43. (<a href="http://www.acluutah.org/HB43_1302.html" target="_blank">Read the ACLU of Utah's talking points on H.B. 43</a>)<br />
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Also in the House, <b>H.B. 127, Motor Vehicle Event Data Recorders,</b> regarding event data recorders in motor vehicles was passed out of committee. We are particularly interested in the bill because of the potential privacy implications "black box" data recorders can have. H.B. 127 establishes that the owner of the vehicle is the legal owner of the black box and information contained in it. The bill also places restrictions on how and when data can be retrieved in the event of an accident. As with all privacy and due process issues, the details surrounding this bill are complex and we are keeping a close eye it to ensure that your rights are not inadvertently jeopardized.<br />
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Finally, in the Senate, <b>S.B. 77, Availability of Government Information,</b> is being considered. The bill is being sponsored by Senator Henderson and would amend guidelines regarding the posting of meeting minutes from legislative hearings within a set timeframe. The primary change dictates that meeting minutes must be made available to the public "within seven business days" of the meeting. This is an improvement over the old language that only required minutes to be provided "within a reasonable time". This is a welcome change and will hopefully improve government transparency and accountability.<br />
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As always, check in next week to find out how key issues such as H.B. 43 and others unfold over the coming days.<br />
<br />ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-80116688983943942962013-02-20T14:44:00.002-08:002013-02-21T09:33:55.647-08:002013 Legislative Session - Week Three Update <br />
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Last week was as busy as ever at the Utah State Legislature, as we continued to work with law makers on several issues.<br />
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In the Senate, <b>House Bill 34, Special Group License Plate Amendments</b>, sponsored by Rep. Val L. Peterson that would create a special group license plate reading "In God We Trust", was amended to remove a $25 annual fee that would have been distributed to groups that celebrate "god family and country". As we previously reported, there were concerns over this aspect of the legislation because it would have been in conflict with the establishment clause. Fortunately, the amended version of the bill proved to be a very viable solution to the problem.<br />
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In the House, <b>H.B. 43, Campaign Finance Reporting by Corporations</b>, sponsored by Rep. Gregory H. Hughes, requires organizations to disclose their donors when participating in political activities was removed from the agenda, but was rescheduled for a hearing during week four. Stay tuned for our blog post next week to find out what happened. We have been following H.B. 43 very closely, as it raises issues concerning privacy, and political participation. While the bill is aimed at improving transparency in elections, there is a broad consensus that it will do just the opposite. By requiring organizations to disclose their donors, the bill incentives the use of shell corporations to conceal who is behind a political campaign. Although shell corporations are already used today, H.B. 43 would make them a necessity for any group that wants to participate in the political process and protect its members. To gain a better understanding of why this issue is so important, we can look to what happened in California, where donors' names were revealed after the Prop 8 campaign. In that case, California law required organizations that participated to reveal their donors' information, just as H.B. 43 would in Utah, and the consequences were alarming. With donors' personal information made public, many received threats, suspicious packages in the mail, and endured other forms of intimidation. To this day, eightmaps.com will provide the address of every Californian who donated to a group supporting Prop 8, should somebody want to engage in harassment or political intimidation. Based on this precedent, there are two likely consequences of H.B. 43 becoming law. First, large organizations with access to resources and a good legal team will participate in elections via shell organizations. This will hinder transparency by making it harder for citizens to know who is responsible for ads and initiatives sponsored by ambiguously named shell organizations, instead of the more well known groups that are actually behind their efforts. Second, smaller organizations without the resources and knowhow to play the "shell game" will have to choose between abstaining from the democratic process, or potentially exposing their members to harassment and betraying their privacy. The balance between privacy and transparency is always a delicate one in a democracy, and H.B. 43 appears to be bad for both.<br />
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Also in the house, a bill concerning what employers can and can not access when it comes to electronic devices and accounts is being considered. <b>H.B. 100, Internet Privacy Amendments</b>, sponsored by Stewart Barlow, starts out on a good note, laying out a laundry list of things employers can not access from their employees. Unfortunately, the second half of the bill is riddled with loopholes and broad language that could mean the bill would cause more harm than good. Fortunately, the bill is still in the early phases of the legislative process, and we are actively working with various law makers to seize this opportunity to protect employees privacy in the workplace. Some of the issues at stake include whether or not an employer can require an employee to provide user names and passwords to social media accounts such as Facebook, and whether or not an employer should have the right to search an employee's device just because it connected to the employer's network. We are working very hard on this issue, because we view it as critical to privacy rights in our rapidly changing world. Look for more updates on H.B. 100 over the coming weeks, as we go through this process.<br />
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Finally, In the Senate Todd Weiler has introduced <b>Senate Bill 196, License Plate Reader Amendments</b>, to regulate the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPR). Currently the use of ALPR systems by law enforcement, and even private companies is essentially unregulated in Utah. The bill would put a limit on how long data can be retained, and define under what circumstances it can be accessed. Of equal importance is a provision that would prohibit the use of ALPR systems by private companies. As with so many rapidly emerging technologies, ALPR systems have the potential to lead to grievous violations of privacy rights, and the regulation of their use is critical. We are hopeful that Sen. Weiler's bill will pass as a common sense measure to protect Utahns from such invasions of privacy.<br />
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As always, check back every week for more updates on these and a host of other issues we are working on as the legislative session progresses.<br />
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ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-9905751684976198082013-02-11T12:37:00.001-08:002013-02-26T11:54:00.968-08:002013 Legislative Session - Week Two Update <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVQ_wWGMJbVXyYWfM48bITdw5702OVTAnAHivYrK86QIFRqpSfSYpP8IuXQW5Zh03xwDhXxd37NoWJdsUj_cwm9y6D3-w2BJDRuyPeR3WwJx0sPuJwUinmepiiaPvX3mak8pU52NNV-fC/s1600/Utah_State_Capitol-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVQ_wWGMJbVXyYWfM48bITdw5702OVTAnAHivYrK86QIFRqpSfSYpP8IuXQW5Zh03xwDhXxd37NoWJdsUj_cwm9y6D3-w2BJDRuyPeR3WwJx0sPuJwUinmepiiaPvX3mak8pU52NNV-fC/s320/Utah_State_Capitol-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week was busy for the ACLU of Utah, as we worked with legislators on several issues concerning civil liberties. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Senate, a House proposal to create a special group license plate displaying "In God We Trust" was given a favorable recommendation in committee. Concerns over the language of the bill, specifically pertaining to how the funds from license plate sales would be distributed, were raised By the ACLU at the hearing. Because the bill calls for the funds to be distributed to groups that, among other things, "celebrate god", it conflicts with the Establishment Clause. As written, the bill does not pass the "Lemon Test" established in the Lemon v. Kurtzman case in 1971. Consequently, the legislature's effort to provide the "In God We Trust" plate as an option to Utahns could be hamstrung by minor details in the bill's wording. We will continue to work with legislators over the coming weeks, to ensure that this bill does not violate the First Amendment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the House, Rep. Hughes's <b>H.B. 44, Election Polling</b>,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> would require the disclosure of the person or group who pays for a poll regarding a candidate or ballot proposition. HB 44 passed on the house floor. While the bill is clearly intended to address the issue of "push polling", there are potential problems with its implementation. Because the definition of a poll is worded so broadly, scenarios as benign as a conversation between two people could be covered under the new regulation. Additionally, the bill will almost certainly not achieve its goal of promoting transparency, as organizations can easily use shell corporations to pay for polls with which they do not wish to be associated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also in the House, <b>H.B. 253, Employment Verification Amendments,</b> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a bill that would have required the Utah Transparency Advisory Board to report, whether or not a company was in compliance with E-Verify requirements, was tabled in committee. This is welcome news, as it could mean that E-Verify requirements will expire in Utah in 2013. The hearing was noteworthy because of the unprecedented opposition expressed by the business community. With many due process issues, and the potential to lead to a national I.D. card as cause for concern, the expiration of E-Verify would be very encouraging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, Sen. Dayton's <b>S.B. 60, Abortion Statistics and Reporting Requirements</b>,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> concerning abortion statistics based on race, was given a favorable recommendation during a committee hearing. The hearing was dominated by an exchange between Sen. Robles and Sen. Dayton over inaccuracies in the bill's language regarding "race and ethnicity." Ultimately, it was agreed that the language would have to be adjusted. While it is well known that the motivation behind the bill is to raise the issue of race and gender selective abortion, it is not at all clear that this is actually a problem in the first place. While there are cases of gender selective abortion in countries such as China, America's gender ratio at birth of 1.05 males for every female indicates that it is not an issue here. Thus, S.B. 60 appears to be a solution in search of a problem at best, and a thinly veiled effort to restrict women's choices in the worst case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, will continue to keep you informed of our efforts, as things unfold over the next week of the legislative session.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-69850003086116661652013-02-03T23:48:00.001-08:002013-02-26T11:55:27.878-08:002013 Legislative Session - Week One Update<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVQ_wWGMJbVXyYWfM48bITdw5702OVTAnAHivYrK86QIFRqpSfSYpP8IuXQW5Zh03xwDhXxd37NoWJdsUj_cwm9y6D3-w2BJDRuyPeR3WwJx0sPuJwUinmepiiaPvX3mak8pU52NNV-fC/s1600/Utah_State_Capitol-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVQ_wWGMJbVXyYWfM48bITdw5702OVTAnAHivYrK86QIFRqpSfSYpP8IuXQW5Zh03xwDhXxd37NoWJdsUj_cwm9y6D3-w2BJDRuyPeR3WwJx0sPuJwUinmepiiaPvX3mak8pU52NNV-fC/s320/Utah_State_Capitol-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">As
the 2013 legislative session got under way last week, the ACLU of Utah was
present to work with law makers and address various civil liberties issues.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
On Wednesday, the ACLU was in attendance as Representative Patrice
Arent's bill to end straight ticket voting in Utah elections was presented to
the House Government Operations Committee. In her testimony, Rep. Arent
gave several examples she had personally encountered where straight ticket
voting led voters to cast votes for candidates they did not intend to support.
Other testimony was offered by members of the public, who made the case
that straight ticket voting was particularly confusing to voters who did not
understand the difference between primary elections that have party
restrictions, and general elections that do not. While some members of
the committee engaged with those offering testimony, and even claimed to be
undecided up until the vote, the bill ultimately failed to get out of committee
on a 3-4 vote. As an organization
that firmly supports voting rights, the ACLU of Utah supports any bill that
encourages greater voter participation.
Thus, we were disappointed that the bill did not make it out of
committee, as it could have been an important step towards addressing voter
apathy in Utah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The
ACLU is also following <b>H.B. 64, Felon's Right to Hold Office</b>,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> being sponsored by Rep. Carol Spackman Moss.
If passed, the bill would restrict sex offenders from being elected to
positions on the State Board of Education and local school boards. While
the bill was inspired by a recent school board election, there are concerns
surrounding the practical consequences of the bill. The definition of sex
offender is of particular concern, as it is very broad. As the law is
written today, one could be charged with a felony and be classified a sex
offender for "lewdness" or "statutory rape", neither of
which might affect one's ability to serve on the school board. Most
importantly, however, the question of a candidate's suitability for office
should be left to the voters. There's no need for the legislature to
substitute their best judgment for that of the voters, which is in essence what
this bill would accomplish. Over the coming weeks we will continue to
stay engaged with legislators regarding this issue, as we work to ensure citizens
are not wrongly excluded from the political process. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Of course, these are
only a few of the issues that we are engaged with as we work to protect your
civil liberties throughout the legislative session. We will continue to
post updates to keep our members and the public informed about our work as the
session unfolds over the coming weeks. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-75694959330410928492013-01-31T09:17:00.001-08:002013-01-31T09:17:33.068-08:002013 Citizen Lobbyist Training <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acluutah.org/2013CitizenLobbyist_flier.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Download a flier (PDF) >></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedWSihFeHKhy4XABQaMCUfHC-Io3SWvzZp6lwCjH8RRsoqIXvshgz-yX_dYHkgvyid3zsAYMa4n-mxMf3fEDTvr7yZti7KkIYtvIQA115924Fr_AP5SdiluhMXIS_NvvgVnc1k-Rb9JNg/s1600/CitizenLobbyist_flier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedWSihFeHKhy4XABQaMCUfHC-Io3SWvzZp6lwCjH8RRsoqIXvshgz-yX_dYHkgvyid3zsAYMa4n-mxMf3fEDTvr7yZti7KkIYtvIQA115924Fr_AP5SdiluhMXIS_NvvgVnc1k-Rb9JNg/s320/CitizenLobbyist_flier.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How does a bill become a law? How can I be involved in the legislative process? Don’t know the answer to these questions? Looks like you better attend the Citizen Lobbyist Training at the Utah State Capitol on February 6th. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the 2013 Utah legislative session under way, we invite you to attend so that you can prepare to be an engaged citizen during the legislative session. The free session will cover, among other issues:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How the legislature works</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How citizens can have an impact on their elected representatives</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The issues the ACLU of Utah and other groups in Utah will be following during the 2013 Legislative Session</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free refreshments!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the important information you need to know:</span></u></b></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What:</b> Citizen Lobbyist Training at the Capitol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>When:</b> Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Time: 5:30 – 7pm </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Where:</b> Utah State Capitol, Multipurpose Room </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sponsored by:</b> ACLU of Utah, Equality Utah, Alliance for a Better Utah, Planned Parenthood of Utah, Enriching Utah Coalition</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free pizza and refreshments</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">January is always the time to reflect on resolutions and here at the ACLU of Utah, we have a few of our own. As the 2013 legislative session gets underway, our lawmakers are already providing us with opportunities to renew our commitment to protecting the civil liberties of all Utahns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our 2013 resolutions are:</span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Promote Equality</span></h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Press for fair and humane immigration reform.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Encourage the passage of non-discrimination protections in housing and the workplace for all Utahns, including those who are LGBT.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Defend Liberty</span></h4>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep politicians from coming between women and their doctors in personal medical decisions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prevent politicians from using religious freedom as an excuse to break important laws such as those that protect against child abuse, domestic violence and discrimination.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand Up for Justice</span></h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protect our privacy and our personal data, including establishing guidelines and oversight regarding the use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs).</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/acluutah" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/aclu.utah" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to take action and help us make these resolutions a reality!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-12170313795059630312012-04-12T14:15:00.001-07:002012-04-12T14:16:03.255-07:00Utah High School Seniors Honored For Their Social Justice and Equality ActivismThrough the Youth Activist Scholarship, the ACLU of Utah encourages high school students to get involved with their communities. Since 2007, we have awarded more than $15,000 in scholarship money to inspiring and amazing high school seniors from all over the state. Our many young activist applicants, after hearing of the scholarship opportunity through school counselors, community groups and social media, submit a simple application in the hopes of becoming one of three winners, each of whom receive a $1,000 scholarship to apply toward the college of their choice. <br />
<br />
In the early weeks of January, the Youth Activist Scholarship Selection Committee gathered to choose the 2012 scholarship winners. Over the course of the evening, the committee – made up of teachers, professors, community leaders and students – reviewed and discussed the bevy of applications, each of which featured a student that has shown incredible commitment to civil liberties in their school and community. After long and hard deliberation, the committee chose three winners that stood out among the rest: Gabe Glissmeyer, Patricio Panuncio, and Lincoln Parkin. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTSLQ37AlInA5P0dPPr_zlSvmOSFVvE9DYHRGTWOh0QaBDOBwdiZaOGq82nuQ6RTOVi_ly4s9CTMOy4dCXO4FFEJPF0DHRLzt0CiYlXIuno7f5cs_SxN2f3ngO3QTGbn6V3PITGAyV0H0/s1600/admin-ajax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTSLQ37AlInA5P0dPPr_zlSvmOSFVvE9DYHRGTWOh0QaBDOBwdiZaOGq82nuQ6RTOVi_ly4s9CTMOy4dCXO4FFEJPF0DHRLzt0CiYlXIuno7f5cs_SxN2f3ngO3QTGbn6V3PITGAyV0H0/s320/admin-ajax.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Gabriel Glissmeyer<br />
Hillcrest High School (Midvale) </b><br />
As a student of color and a member of the LGBTQ community, Gabe has faced and overcome many obstacles in his life. But rather than letting these challenges discourage him, Gabe uses his experiences to empower himself, as well as to help others who face similar challenges. For example, Gabe works to educate members of the LGBTQ community about the ill effects of tobacco; he turned the spotlight on “Project SCUM,” a tobacco campaign that sought to target members of the LGBTQ community in the 1990s. Gabe also initiated the formation of “Advocates for Equality,” an all-inclusive club at his high school that provides a safe place for LGBTQ youth to share their experiences and work to promote equal treatment within Hillcrest’s halls. With support from the ACLU of Utah, Gabe plans to continue his civil liberties advocacy after high school. “In college I plan to tirelessly continue to fight for what’s right,” he says, “without backing down.” <br />
<br />
<b>Patricio Panuncio <br />
Academy for Math, Engineering and Science (Salt Lake City) </b><br />
Not long after moving with his family to Utah from Argentina in 2001, Patricio began to feel the affects of discrimination toward the Latino community. Rather than sitting back and enduring the discrimination silently, Patricio decided to take action in pursuit of equal treatment and protection for all people. He helped to organize an action group titled “Still We Rise”, which demonstrated against HJR 24, a proposal put forth during the 2010 Legislative Session to ban Equal Opportunity programs in state employment and higher education. When “Still We Rise” triumphed and the proposal, Patricio realized, “Change was at the tips of my fingers.” Since then, he has shared his story on a radio show, testified before the state legislature, and participated in rallies to advocate for equality for Latinos and immigrants in Utah. Patricio plans to get an undergraduate degree in Political Science, and pursue a career in Civil Rights Law. <br />
<br />
<b>Lincoln Parkin <br />
Weber High School (Ogden) </b><br />
As president of his school’s Gay-Straight Alliance club, Lincoln works to promote fair treatment for all students at Weber High, no matter their sexual orientation. Lincoln is also an active member of the Ogden OUTreach Center, a program that focuses on creating a safe and welcoming community for LGBTQ youth and their allies. After learning about the “Pink Dot” campaign through the OUTreach Center, Lincoln worked to encourage Utahns to speak up for their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friends and family members as part of the “Pink Dot” effort. A self-proclaimed “music activist,” Lincoln uses his passion for singing to work toward the goal of equality for LGBTQ people. Lincoln plans to continue his dedication to music and activism in college. <br />
<br />
We received many excellent applications for this scholarship program; each applicant inspired us with their work to protect and expand civil liberties. It was a challenge to select only three winners! But we are proud to provide this scholarship to high school activists who are working to make a difference, not only in their own lives, but in the lives of their families, friends, peers and neighbors. The scholarship winners will receive their awards at the ACLU of Utah’s annual Bill of Rights Celebration on May 2.<br />
<br />
The Bill of Rights Celebration will feature various guests of honor, as well as keynote speaker Spencer Overton, of George Washington University Law School and author of Stealing Democracy: The New Politics of Voter Suppression. This event is expected to attract more than 500 guests, who will come together to support the ACLU, and learn more about its role in promoting participatory democracy, transparent and accountable government, voting rights and a host of other important civic issues. To purchase your tickets or learn more about the Bill of Rights Celebration on May 2nd, please visit <a href="http://www.acluutah.org/bor2012">www.acluutah.org/bor2012</a>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-25397374557145295482011-12-05T10:59:00.000-08:002011-12-05T14:05:42.876-08:00Attention - Youth Activists Wanted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPPhdA9mpjsu-QUGWEDL-m1XB2Lgfvq_58Sa2039md2HQ-sy5Ubv6zu4aUwrvS31-cmrYWmioSHrcD3Su852iptC_75ygDNJ2oZIV6YGvR1gJ9dO6OIRDTG0atPqGbo-5mkqYrP0LNZwD/s1600/Scholarship12Sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPPhdA9mpjsu-QUGWEDL-m1XB2Lgfvq_58Sa2039md2HQ-sy5Ubv6zu4aUwrvS31-cmrYWmioSHrcD3Su852iptC_75ygDNJ2oZIV6YGvR1gJ9dO6OIRDTG0atPqGbo-5mkqYrP0LNZwD/s1600/Scholarship12Sm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As senior year progresses, high school seniors are faced with many tough decisions, including what to do after high school graduation.</span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While dreaming of what to accomplish, what positive changes to make in this world, and what grand stamp they hope to leave upon it, even the most passionate and ambitious young people must also face a bit of reality. How to best accomplish the next step (in many cases, college!) in a financially-feasible way?</span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For high school seniors who have been actively engaged in social activism and community leadership, the ACLU of Utah has at least one idea for you. We want to reward young people who have used their high school years to learn about and stand up for the important rights we are lucky to have in this nation. </span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In its fifth year, the ACLU of Utah’s Youth Activist Scholarship seeks to recognize Utah high school seniors passionate about civil liberties – and who have taken a stand in their communities to show it. </span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">”We are getting more and more applications each year, from amazing young people who really care about protecting and promoting individual freedom,” says Anna Brower, Development Director at the ACLU of Utah. “No matter how challenging our work at the ACLU gets, we always get a boost of inspiration for students who are fighting along with us in their schools and neighborhoods!”</span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Each year since 2008, the program has awarded $1000 scholarships to three truly passionate young people who care about preserving civil liberties, and who have taken action to do just that. Past scholarship recipients have positively impacted their communities by advocating for women at the United Nations, standing up for LGBT peers by starting Gay-Straight Alliances, lobbying their elected officials for the protection of immigrants’ rights, and championing free speech and a free press. . </span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cara Cerise (Highland High School, Salt Lake City) was one of the ACLU of Utah’s first scholarship recipients, awarded in 2008. She spoke out for LGBT rights and social justice throughout her high school career. In addition to accepting leadership roles in her school's social justice club and lobbying against anti-LGBT bills at the state legislature, Cara also started the Utah chapter of Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE). COLAGE is a support group dedicated to helping children of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender parents and families. </span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingrid Asplund (Walden School, Orem), a 2010 scholarship recipient, demonstrated her passion by taking part in international service trips and teaming up with Planned Parenthood to advocate for comprehensive Sex-Ed in Utah schools. The self-described “crazy environmentalist hippie chick” even started her own blog to tackle reproductive health topic, in the hopes that the online conversation will “help supplement the lackluster sex education kids in Utah get.”</span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another 2010 recipient, Joel Organista (West High School, Salt Lake City), who is currently serving an LDS mission<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1019656479738218967&postID=2539737455714529548&from=pencil" name="_GoBack"></a> in Tokyo, Japan, focused his civil liberties activism on racial prejudice. After witnessing such injustices first-hand – and experiencing it himself – Joel became involved with the creation of a documentary called "Red Flags: Racism and Ethnic Stereotyping in Schools." Joel has presented the film, and his insights, at several national conferences. He was appointed to the National Advisory Board of the "Education Through Liberation" Network, through which he played a pivotal drafting a National Student Bill of Rights.</span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">”What is so impressive about these young activists,” says Brower, “is the sophistication of their understanding of issues related to inequality and injustice. Our Selection Committee continually has been blown away by how much our applicants care about individual freedoms, and particularly about how other people may be prevented from exercising those freedoms.” </span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Interested graduating seniors, currently attending Utah high schools, who plan on entering an accredited college or university can apply online at www.acluutah.org. Qualified applicants will be selected, based on specific criteria, by the volunteer Scholarship Selection Committee, which is comprised of various community members and leaders. The top three applicants receive a scholarship award of $1000, and honored at the ACLU of Utah’s Annual Bill of Rights Celebration, which takes place each spring.</span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For more information about the Youth Activist scholarship and previous scholarship recipients, visit http://www.acluutah.org/scholarship.html<a href="http://www.acluutah.org/scholarship.html" target="_blank">http://www.acluutah.org/scholarship.html</a>, or contact Anna Brower at (801) 521-9862 x100. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMhf481_B-BF9FS2qnWqv2MOkgk4PTanWSTGFMsCgMuvdEKUy3HGwp9kXTrLTelrV69PhzDH-cjCF98tloVrO43y11-PG8QEjWR_n9cDWJ35HXnVAh8ElYvUkpINtnha0xOiMiD2wN3Ap/s1600/YASBOR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMhf481_B-BF9FS2qnWqv2MOkgk4PTanWSTGFMsCgMuvdEKUy3HGwp9kXTrLTelrV69PhzDH-cjCF98tloVrO43y11-PG8QEjWR_n9cDWJ35HXnVAh8ElYvUkpINtnha0xOiMiD2wN3Ap/s320/YASBOR1.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Youth Activist Scholarship winners being honored at the Bill of Rights Celebration on May 11, 2011.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JelyQDxw2kg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Video highlighting the 2011 Youth Activist Scholarship winners. </b></span></div>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-54960178573506124622011-11-08T15:55:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:55:28.193-08:00ACLU of Utah Asks School Superintendents to Confirm that LGBT Students Will Not be Excluded from School Dances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWevxAHt-3NgNI-O8mx03qXQxHlJODEw3vPzGEWbaPGSDe-E9h9mGGuXi6lKK6rGlTcsSFOr8PEThptckC9Ph42TA85Isv8bDFwF4eUruXShxUeNzRhf6A-rXVtKG8VslST8s9VfgTNgb/s1600/PromIsForEveryone_gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWevxAHt-3NgNI-O8mx03qXQxHlJODEw3vPzGEWbaPGSDe-E9h9mGGuXi6lKK6rGlTcsSFOr8PEThptckC9Ph42TA85Isv8bDFwF4eUruXShxUeNzRhf6A-rXVtKG8VslST8s9VfgTNgb/s1600/PromIsForEveryone_gif.jpg" /></a></div>Recently, the ACLU of Utah received information that a lesbian couple was asked to leave a school’s homecoming dance violating their right to free expression and free association guaranteed by the First Amendment, as well as Constitution’s promise of Equal Protection. We took this opportunity to write a letter to every school district superintendent in Utah, educating them about the court decisions upholding the rights of same sex couples to attend proms and other school dances and functions in the hope that it might prevent future circumstances that could result in litigation. <a href="http://www.acluutah.org/SchoolDances2011.html">Read more >> </a>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-63269780909963096132011-11-08T15:36:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:52:13.976-08:00ACLU of Utah Asks School Superintendents to Confirm that LGBT Students Will Not be Excluded from School Dances<table align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 760px;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-26787335809745694572011-10-25T16:12:00.000-07:002011-10-25T16:14:21.986-07:00Where are we now?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOotFd97pgLVZDDdNGIrBOWBBXQk4sPoUzk3bOvAC_OuVkyerZ6Y36dmx7mHpSiforb-6ApWLdPVTMBWUDnqOXLXa6JNmPASFz11t_BDGnHsF1XyCJq7jnJp9WJEBE-YPJQJhixRT7gtpu/s1600/patriotact_marquee.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOotFd97pgLVZDDdNGIrBOWBBXQk4sPoUzk3bOvAC_OuVkyerZ6Y36dmx7mHpSiforb-6ApWLdPVTMBWUDnqOXLXa6JNmPASFz11t_BDGnHsF1XyCJq7jnJp9WJEBE-YPJQJhixRT7gtpu/s1600/patriotact_marquee.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This week, the ACLU of Utah is proud to be hosting Jameel Jaffer, Deputy Legal Director of the ACLU and former director of the ACLU’s National Security Project. We invited Mr. Jaffer to Salt Lake City to encourage reflection and provide a critical civil liberties progress report following the recently-obsevred ten-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Saturday, October 29th Jameel Jaffer will present “Our New Normal: National Security, Civil Liberties and Human Rights 10 Years After September 11 that 6:30pm at the Khadeeja Islamic Center, </span><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1019 West 2455 South, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">in West Valley City. This event is free and open to the public; Modest dress is strongly encouraged, out of respect for our hosts at the Khadeeja mosque. (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl">LINK TO MAP HERE</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our country has done a lot of healing since the tragic events of 9/11, but we are far from where we were, in terms of our individual liberties and civil rights, before that devastating day. Unfortunately, many Americans have suffered injustices, large and small, as a direct result of U.S. policies and actions following the attacks. What once might have been unimaginable infringements upon the human rights of American citizens, on American soil, now have become our “new normal.” Extrajudicial Killings. Torture. Racial Profiling and Mapping. Unwarranted surveillance. Islamaphobia. These violations of fundamental civil liberties have all become, somehow, acceptable – or, at least, hardly shocking – in our post-9/11 culture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just 45 days after 9/11, the U.S. Congress passed The PATRIOT Act , a bill that would prove to seriously undermine the constitutional rights of thousands. Parts of the act were supposed to expire in 2005, but regularly have been extended by Congress, until at least 2015. Ostensibly created and authorized in order to aid the U.S. government in its fight against terrorist extremism across the globe, the Act became a powerful vehicle for the undermining of the rights of thousands of U.S. citizens and non-citizens.. Check out the ACLU’s Post-9/11 Surveillance Timeline to recall specific policies that have been enforced against the American people in the past decade. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last week, in anticipation of Jameel Jaffer’s visit, the ACLU of Utah screened Laura Poitras’ film “The Oath”, in Ogden and in Orem at Utah Valley University. The documentary centers on Salim Hamdan, a Yemeni citizen and former driver for Osama Bin Laden, and his brother-in-law, Abu Jandal, a former member of Al Qaeda and bin Laden bodyguard. Hamdan ended up in the U.S. military detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – which is still open and operating in 2011, and “home” to approximately 170 detainees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over the course of two years, Laura Poitras traveled back and forth to Yemen to collect footage and interviews for “The Oath.” Ms. Poitras, who had been on the government’s “terrorist watch list” since the filming of her Iraq-based documentary “My Country, My Country,” was routinely interrogated regarding her frequent travels to Yemen. She finally ended up on the FBI’s “No Fly” list, and it took several calls to her attorneys and the ACLU before she was allowed to board her flight to attend an international film festival. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In fact, it through her experience as a target of the U.S. government’s “War on Terror” policies that Ms. Poitras met and become friends with the ACLU’s Jameel Jaffer, who has been fighting to turn a national and international spotlight on those very policies since their initial enactment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">D</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">uring his visit to Salt Lake, Mr. Jaffer will be delving further into these problematic post-9/11 U.S. policies and practices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Thursday, October 27, Mr. Jaffer will address the public, free of charge, on the campus of the University of Utah. His presentation, which will be held in Dumke Auditorium in the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, beginning at 10:45 a.m. and concluding at noon, is entitled, “What is the War on Terror…and Are We Still Fighting It?” In this talk, Mr. Jaffer will addressing such issues as extrajudicial killings, extraordinary rendition and indefinite detention.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Saturday, October 29th, Mr. Jaffer will present “Our New Normal: National Security, Civil Liberties and Human Rights 10 Years After 9/11” at the Khadeeja Islamic Center. This event is presented in partnership with the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake, and is free and open to the general public. There will be ample time for questions and discussion, and we strongly encourage you to take advantage of Mr. Jaffer’s prodigious knowledge, experience and expertise during his stay in Salt Lake. </span><br />
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The ACLU of Utah has been communicating with the SLCPD as well as the City of Salt Lake to ensure that Occupy SLC's peaceful assembly at, and occupation of Pioneer Park, will continue without government infringement. So far the City has been issuing 24 hour permits, granting the demonstrators the right to peacefully occupy the Park. The City has confirmed to the ACLU of Utah that the protestors’ permits to occupy Pioneer Park will continue to be renewed on a daily basis so long as the movement remains nonviolent.<br />
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The ACLU of Utah is thrilled about the commonsense cooperative approach the City and the Police Department have taken with respect to Occupy SLC to date, and we are hopeful this approach will continue over the duration of the occupancy. However, should the dynamic change, the ACLU of Utah will be ready. As a precaution, we have coordinated with the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Layers (UACDL) to develop a list of its members who have volunteered their services (or in some cases offered their services at a reduced fee) to those arrested or charged with crimes as a result of their participation in the occupancy. The ACLU of Utah is very grateful to those members of the UACDL for their generous offer and their preparedness, and also appreciative of the UACDL's efforts to develop such a great list of attorneys.<br />
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Finally, we are also very excited to announce the first-ever ACLU of Utah Free Speech Hotline. This hotline will accept calls 24 hours a day, over the duration of the occupancy, so any potential First Amendment violations that may arise can be documented. Opening this line will help the ACLU of Utah to monitor the situation and evaluate how we can best be of assistance. Accordingly, if you experience or observe a violation of First Amendment rights, please report the incident to (801) 893-2198 or aclu@acluutah.org. With any luck there will be no Constitutional violations to report.ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-64069537058653480322011-04-05T11:02:00.000-07:002011-04-05T11:02:56.356-07:002011 Utah Legislative Report<div class="style5"><span class="headtext"></span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td width="26%"><div align="center"><img height="122" src="http://www.acluutah.org/Images/Marina2.jpg" width="162" /></div></td> <td width="25%"><div align="center"><img height="122" src="http://www.acluutah.org/Images/LGBTprotest.jpg" width="162" /></div></td> <td width="25%"><div align="center"><img height="122" src="http://www.acluutah.org/Images/Legislatureinsession.jpg" width="162" /></div></td> <td width="24%"><div align="center"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="boldtext">During the 2011 session the ACLU of Utah:</div><ul><li class="maintext">Was responsible for getting <span class="bigtext">an</span> important piece of legislation passed: a bill to protect the right of domestic violence victims to be free from eviction or other harassment for calling law enforcement. </li>
<li class="maintext"> Was instrumental in halting or neutralizing harmful legislation on at least <span class="boldtext">10</span> occasions.<br />
Tracked and engaged in lobbying efforts on more than <span class="boldtext">50</span> bills.</li>
<li class="maintext"> Responded to numerous requests by lawmakers, government officials, community partners and the media for information as to the constitutionality of bills.</li>
<li class="maintext"> Attended more than <span class="boldtext">20</span> committee hearings.</li>
<li class="maintext"> Testified against or in support of bills in <span class="boldtext">13</span> committee hearings.</li>
<li class="maintext"> Distributed numerous letters, fact sheets and/or reports to members of the Utah Legislature regarding the constitutionality of proposed legislation, including 6 letters to the governor urging veto or signature.</li>
<li class="maintext"> Participated in ongoing meetings with and mobilized coalition groups to influence potential legislation in the following areas: immigration, criminal justice, racial justice, reproductive freedoms and voting rights.</li>
<li class="maintext">Hosted <span class="boldtext">2</span> citizen lobby training's. </li>
</ul>Read the full report at <a href="http://www.acluutah.org/2011legreport.htm">http://www.acluutah.org/2011legreport.htm</a>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-23410348558857062342011-03-09T09:32:00.000-08:002011-03-09T09:32:13.755-08:00TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Senator To Vote No On HB 191<div align="center"><b><span class="style62">Keep In-State Tuition For All Utah Residents </span></b></div><div align="center" class="style55 style56"><b>Contact Your Senator And Tell Them To Oppose<br />
H.B. 191, "Nonresident Tuition Waiver Amendments"</b> </div><div align="center" class="style55 style56"><br />
</div><div class="activist_main"><span class="maintext"><a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0191s01.htm" target="_blank">HB 191</a>, would amend Utah's current law allowing for students to pay instate tuition if they attend and graduate from a Utah high school. The amended bill would require students to provide proof of filing state income tax, even though many families might not earn enough to be required to file taxes. </span> <strong>Please contact your Senator and encourage them to oppose this bill.</strong></div><blockquote> <blockquote> <div class="activist_main"><a href="http://www.acluutah.org/HB191_Testimony_021811.pdf" target="_blank">Read the ACLU of Utah testimony before the House Revenue and Taxation Committee (PDF) >></a><br />
<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/705367000/House-panel-approves-repeal-of-in-state-college-tuition-for-illegal-immigrants.html" target="_blank">Read a Deseret News Article >></a><br />
<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=51268487" target="_blank">Read a Tribune Article >></a></div></blockquote></blockquote><div class="activist_main"><strong>Talking Points:</strong></div><span class="activist_main">Utah's current law is critical to promoting fundamental fairness in access to public higher education for talented, high achieving young people who are able to gain admission to our public colleges and universities, regardless of their immigration status.</span><br />
<ul><li class="activist_main">There is no need to change existing law, which has been in place since 2002, and works well to provide students who have attended and graduated from high school in our state the opportunity to attend university at a reduced rate. Erecting additional barriers to obtaining instate tuition means that many students may no longer be able to attend college at all.<br />
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<li><span class="activist_main">Denying these students access to affordable college education is short-sighted because they are likely to remain in the United States and may well regularize their immigration status under current or future federal laws.</span><br />
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<li><span class="activist_main"> Providing in-state tuition to Utah high school graduates at public colleges and universities promotes economic growth and increases opportunities. College graduates who are likely to remain in Utah earn higher wages, and therefore generate significantly more in income, sales, and property taxes. Their increased earning power and disposable income stimulate growth in our state's economy. A better educated population also increases competitiveness in the global economy.</span><br />
</li>
<li><span class="activist_main"> Denying higher education access to undocumented students means failing to capitalize on Utah's investment in their K-12 education. Many of the undocumented students already educated in the K-12 public school system come from impoverished backgrounds and would not otherwise be able to attend college or university without in-state tuition.</span> <blockquote> <blockquote> <div class="activist_main"><a href="http://www.utahsenate.org/aspx/roster.aspx" target="_blank">Find your Senator >> </a></div><div class="activist_main"><strong>Utah State Senators</strong><br />
Stuart Adams - <a href="mailto:jsadams@utahsenate.org">jsadams@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Curtis Bramble - <a href="mailto:cbramble@utahsenate.org">cbramble@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Chris Buttars - <a href="mailto:dcbuttars@utahsenate.org">dcbuttars@utahsenate.org </a><br />
Allen Christensen - <a href="mailto:allen_christensen@hotmail.com">allen_christensen@hotmail.com</a> <br />
Gene Davis - <a href="mailto:gdavis@utahsenate.org">gdavis@utahsenate.org </a><br />
Margaret Dayton - <a href="mailto:mdayton@utahsenate.org">mdayton@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Lyle Hillyard- <a href="mailto:lhillyard@utahsenate.org">lhillyard@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
David Hinkins - <a href="mailto:dhinkins@utahsenate.org">dhinkins@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Scott Jenkins - <a href="mailto:sjenkins@utahsenate.org">sjenkins@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Pat Jones - <a href="mailto:pjones@utahsenate.org">pjones@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Peter Knudson - <a href="mailto:pknudson@utahsenate.org">pknudson@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Dan Liljenquist - <a href="mailto:dliljenquist@utahsenate.org">dliljenquist@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Mark Madsen - <a href="mailto:mmadsen@utahsenate.org">mmadsen@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Karen Mayne - <a href="mailto:kmayne@utahsenate.org">kmayne@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Ben McAdams - <a href="mailto:bmcadams@utahsenate.org">bmcadams@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Karen Morgan - <a href="mailto:kmorgan@utahsenate.org">kmorgan@utahsenate.org </a><br />
Wayne Niederhauser - <a href="mailto:wniederhauser@utahsenate.org">wniederhauser@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Ralph Okerlund - <a href="mailto:rokerlund@utahsenate.org">rokerlund@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Luz Robles - <a href="mailto:lrobles@utahsenate.org">lrobles@utahsenate.org </a><br />
Stuart Reid - <a href="mailto:screid@utahsenate.org">screid@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Ross Romero - <a href="mailto:rromero@utahsenate.org">rromero@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Howard Stephenson - <a href="mailto:hstephenson@utahsenate.org">hstephenson@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Dennis Stowell - <a href="mailto:dstowell@utahsenate.org">dstowell@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Daniel Thatcher - <a href="mailto:dthatcher@utahsenate.org">dthatcher@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Stephen Urquhart - <a href="mailto:surquhart@utahsenate.org">surquhart@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
John Valentine - <a href="mailto:jvalentine@utahsenate.org">jvalentine@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Kevin Van Tassell - <a href="mailto:kvantassell@utahsenate.org">kvantassell@utahsenate.org</a> <br />
Mike Waddoups - <a href="mailto:mwaddoups@utahsenate.org">mwaddoups@utahsenate.org</a> </div></blockquote></blockquote></li>
</ul>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-26946067375172231552011-03-09T09:31:00.001-08:002011-03-09T09:31:11.642-08:00Governor Herbert Urged to Veto Immigration Bills<div class="maintext"><span class="headtext"></span><span class="boldtext"></span><span class="maintext">The ACLU of Utah issued a statement calling on Governor Herbert to veto HB 497 (Immigration Enforcement) and HB 116 (Guest Worker Program), which recently passed the Utah State Legislature. These bills are contrary both to federal immigration laws and to the principles set forth in the Utah Compact.</span></div><div class="maintext"><br />
</div><div class="maintext"><a href="http://www.acluutah.org/ACLU_PR_Immigration_Veto_030911.pdf" target="_blank">Read the ACLU of Utah press release (PDF) >></a></div>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-90392946451959971882011-03-07T10:21:00.000-08:002011-03-07T10:23:17.085-08:00Transparency in government<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This session of the state legislature was supposed to be about greater transparency in government. From the election of the new Speaker, to the process of letting bills come to the House and Senate floors for debate. But on Friday the idea of a transparent government was ignored with the passage of H.B. 477, Government Records Amendment, which greatly narrows the path of citizens to gain access to public records, through GRAMA, Government Records Access Management Act. The irony is that this bill was not released until the very end of the session, leaving very little opportunity for the public to weigh in. It only took 48 hours to get H.B. 477 introduced, passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation, heard in both houses, and prepared for the signature of the Governor. This just goes to show that if our lawmakers really want to get something done, they can. It’s sad to see our legislators ignore democracy and reverse years of progress toward a more reliable, honest, transparent government. Let hope our Governor is willing to take a stand and veto this undemocratic legislation. <o:p></o:p></div>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-45764119264150730642011-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:002011-03-07T09:04:51.187-08:00TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Herbert to Keep Government Transparent and Accountable<b>Keep Government Transparent and Accountable<br />
Governor Herbert Please Veto H.B. 477<br />
<br />
Email or Call Governor Herbert's Office Today!</b><br />
<br />
This bill passed through the legislature rapidly last week and has been sent to Governor Herbert. We must ask him to veto this bill and keep Utah government transparent and accountable. <a href="http://www.utah.gov/governor/contact/index.html">Find the contact information for Gov. Herbert >></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acluutah.org/HB477_Veto_030611.pdf">Read the ACLU of Utah's letter >></a><br />
<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51374867-76/utah-government-records-law.html.csp">Read a Salt Lake Tribune article >></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=960&sid=14601322&s_cid=rss-960">Watch a KSL news story >></a><br />
<br />
<b>General description of bill:</b><br />
<br />
This bill attempts to erect serious roadblocks to the public’s access to governmental records. Among other provisions, H.B. 477, "Government Records Amendments" would raise costs for the public to access records, create new exceptions to when governmental records have to be released to the public, and exempt a variety of electronic communications from the definition of a “record” under GRAMA, including: (i) voice mails and recordings and transcripts of voicemails; (ii) instant messages, video chat recordings, and text messages, and would generally reduce transparency in government.<br />
<br />
<b> Talking Points:</b><br />
<br />
* The bill will would repeal GRAMA’s critical legislative intent section, which for nearly 20 years has provided valuable guidance to government officials, the State Records Committee, and the courts in interpreting and applying GRAMA’s many complex provisions consistent with the Legislature’s expressed intent and declaration of public policy.<br />
<br />
* The bill greatly expands the ability of government entities to charge fees and costs for responding to GRAMA requests, and reduces the ability of the news media and public interest requesters to obtain fee waivers. This will seriously inhibit the ability of the public to access documents to which they are entitled.<br />
<br />
* The bill broadens several existing GRAMA exceptions and adds others, making a substantial amount of government information that is now public off-limits to the public. <br />
<br />
* The bill allows government entities to request an indefinite amount of time in which to respond to certain GRAMA requests, which would have the effect of limiting the public and news media’s access to relevant and timely governmental information. <br />
<br />
* This bill would abolish a fundamental principle of GRAMA, which is that access to records should not depend on the physical form of the record, but rather on its content; if the content is related to the public’s business and not otherwise classified as nonpublic, then it should be freely accessible to the public, regardless of whether it is a voice mail, text message or traditional paper record. <br />
<br />
* The bill would opt the Legislature out of several key provisions of GRAMA. Allowing the Legislature to opt out of significant portions of GRAMA would violate the very purpose of the law and would raise the prospect of inconsistent rules and public access.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.utah.gov/governor/contact/index.html">Find the contact information for Gov. Herbert >></a>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-42584669013301787552011-03-04T11:27:00.000-08:002011-03-04T11:27:50.333-08:00Keep Government Transparent and Accountable - Vote No On H.B. 477Senate Rules Committee Hearing Will Review<br />
H.B. 477, "Government Records Amendments,"<br />
That Would Reduce Transparency In Government<br />
<br />
Show your support for open government that is accountable to the people by coming to the hearing this afternoon, Friday, March 4, at 3:00 p.m.<br />
in Room 415 at the State Capitol!<br />
<a href="http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2011&Com=SSTRUL">Information about the Senate Rules Committee Hearing >></a><br />
<br />
Email Senate Rules Committee members listed below and your own Senator.<br />
Ask them to vote no on H.B. 477!<br />
<br />
<b>General description of bill:</b><br />
<br />
This bill attempts to erect serious roadblocks to the public’s access to governmental records. Among other provisions, H.B. 477, "Government Records Amendments" would raise costs for the public to access records, create new exceptions to when governmental records have to be released to the public, and exempt a variety of electronic communications from the definition of a “record” under GRAMA, including: (i) voice mails and recordings and transcripts of voicemails; (ii) instant messages, video chat recordings, and text messages, and would generally reduce transparency in government.<br />
<br />
<b>Talking Points:</b><br />
<br />
* The bill will would repeal GRAMA’s critical legislative intent section, which for nearly 20 years has provided valuable guidance to government officials, the State Records Committee, and the courts in interpreting and applying GRAMA’s many complex provisions consistent with the Legislature’s expressed intent and declaration of public policy.<br />
<br />
* The bill greatly expands the ability of government entities to charge fees and costs for responding to GRAMA requests, and reduces the ability of the news media and public interest requesters to obtain fee waivers. This will seriously inhibit the ability of the public to access documents to which they are entitled.<br />
<br />
* The bill broadens several existing GRAMA exceptions and adds others, making a substantial amount of government information that is now public off-limits to the public. <br />
<br />
* The bill allows government entities to request an indefinite amount of time in which to respond to certain GRAMA requests, which would have the effect of limiting the public and news media’s access to relevant and timely governmental information. <br />
<br />
* This bill would abolish a fundamental principle of GRAMA, which is that access to records should not depend on the physical form of the record, but rather on its content; if the content is related to the public’s business and not otherwise classified as nonpublic, then it should be freely accessible to the public, regardless of whether it is a voice mail, text message or traditional paper record. <br />
<br />
* The bill would opt the Legislature out of several key provisions of GRAMA. Allowing the Legislature to opt out of significant portions of GRAMA would violate the very purpose of the law and would raise the prospect of inconsistent rules and public access.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2011&Com=SSTRUL">Information about the Senate Rules Committee Hearing >></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.utahsenate.org/aspx/roster.aspx">Find your Senator >></a><br />
<br />
Please email committee members and ask them to keep government transparent and accountable and vote no on H.B. 477!<br />
<br />
<b>Senate Rules Committee</b><br />
Sen. Margaret Dayton, Chair - mdayton@utahsenate.org<br />
Sen. D. Chris Buttars - dcbuttars@utahsenate.org<br />
Sen. Patricia W. Jones - pjones@utahsenate.org<br />
Sen. Peter C. Knudson - pknudson@utahsenate.org<br />
Sen. Daniel R. Liljenquist - dliljenquist@utahsenate.org<br />
Sen. Mark B. Madsen - mmadsen@utahsenate.org<br />
Sen. Karen Mayne - kmayne@utahsenate.org<br />
Sen. Kevin T. Van Tassell - kvantassell@utahsenate.orgACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-36094843448717864042011-03-02T21:42:00.000-08:002011-03-03T08:54:36.372-08:00End of Committee Hearings This Session<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Wednesday at the Capitol was the last day of committee hearings. This means there will no longer be public testimony on any bills. Some of the bills that were voted out of committee on Tuesday are the three anti-choice bills.<b> </b> <a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0171s01.htm">H.B. 171, Abortion Clinic Licensing</a>, <a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0353.htm">H.B. 353, Abortion Freedom of Conscience,</a> and <a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0354s01.htm">H.B. 354, Insurance Amendment Related to Abortions</a>, all passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation. These bills are now set for debate on the house floor and will likely be heard on Thursday. <br />
<br />
On the immigration front, new bills continue to appear, including <a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0466.htm">H.B. 466, Migrant Workers and Related Commission Amendments</a> and a new version of <a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0070s01.htm">H.B. 70</a>, set to be revealed later this week.<br />
<br />
There are only 6 days left in this session, we are counting down the days!<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-69143188222476377152011-02-25T13:01:00.000-08:002011-02-25T13:01:51.965-08:00Instate tuition: The debate goes on.<!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Instate tuition for undocumented residents of Utah, has been a subject of great debate since Utah implemented the policy in 2002.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H.B. 191, Nonresident Tuition Waiver Amendments, will repeal the ability for undocumented college students who live in Utah to pay instate tuition. Thursday, H.B. 191 came to the House floor for a debate. During the debate, it became clear that many legislators, including several republicans, have issues with the bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rep. Wright proposed an amendment to the bill that would require students to provide proof of payment of taxes for the previous year, by either the student, or the parent or legal guardian of the student. The amendment passed in dramatic fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the vote on the amendment was so narrow, all Representatives were called back to the House floor for the vote. Rep. Kiser proposed another amendment that would extend the requirement of proof of payment of taxes to three years. In an attempt to stop this amendment and end the debate on H.B. 191, Rep. Wimmer, the bill sponsor, circled the bill. Nonetheless, Rep. Wimmer can uncircle the bill at any time, bringing H.B. 191 back to the floor for debate and a vote. Keep an eye on this bill as it could move at any moment. </div><!--EndFragment-->ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019656479738218967.post-68174199850069761732011-02-24T08:50:00.001-08:002011-02-24T08:50:13.855-08:00Senate Version of a Guest Worker Permit Would Violate Constitution<div class="maintext"><span class="headtext"></span><span class="boldtext"> </span><span class="maintext">A Senate Committee passed out <a href="http://le.utah.gov/%7E2011/htmdoc/sbillhtm/sb0060s01.htm" target="_blank">S.B. 60 S, "Pilot Accountability Permit Program and Identity Related Amendments,"</a> that would allow undocumented individuals in Utah to work. Despite its many constitutional flaws, this bill now heads to the Senate floor for debate. Marina Lowe, Legislative and Policy Council with the ACLU of Utah, testified in opposition to the bill before the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday, February 23. </span></div><div class="maintext"><br />
</div><div class="maintext"><a href="http://www.acluutah.org/SB60_testimony_022311.pdf" target="_blank">Read the ACLU of Utah testimony >></a><br />
<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705367331/Utah-Senate-panel-OKs-Robles-immigration-bill.html?pg=1" target="_blank">Read a Deseret News article >></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=960&sid=14491726&s_cid=rss-960" target="_blank">Read a KSL article >></a><br />
<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51300658-76/bill-robles-vote-senate.html.csp" target="_blank">Read a SL Tribune article >></a></div>ACLU of Utahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14272922046039379662noreply@blogger.com0