GRAMA
To obtain records under the Government Records Access and Management Act ("GRAMA"), a requester must submit a written request to the government entity that contains the requester’s name, mailing address, daytime telephone number, and a reasonably specific description of the records sought. Requesters seeking records from State agencies can use a request form from the Utah Attorney General’s office Utah Attorney General's Office.
Any working journalist in Utah may make inquiries. When phoning the Hotline, identify yourself upfront as a Hotline caller. The operator will then direct you to a Hotline attorney. Identify yourself to the attorney and state the media organization, if any, you represent. Describe your problem.
- Parr Brown lawyers answering the Hotline will field questions about access to public records, public meetings and the courts, as well as cameras in the courtrooms, gag orders and prior restraints.
- The Hotline does not deal with libel and slander issues, search warrants, trespass, subpoenas or privacy law. Reporters are advised to consult with attorneys from their respective news organizations for assistance in these areas.
- Most access issues can be resolved during the initial phone consultation. Occasionally, the Hotline attorney may need to research the question before providing information to the journalist.
- If necessary, Parr Brown Hotline attorneys will make phone calls or write letters in an attempt to resolve access disputes.
- Litigation and representation before administrative bodies such as the State Records Committee are not included within the scope of the Hotline service. If litigation appears necessary, the reporter will be advised to consult his or her news organization to determine whether it desires to initiate a lawsuit and bear the legal fees and costs associated with such litigation.
