UT HB0551

Prohibits individuals who are the subject of a public records request from classifying records responsive to that request, participating in the governmental entity's review or response, or participating in any appeal related to the request

Defines "subject of a record request" as someone named in the request description or who authored, signed, or had direct involvement in creating a responsive record

Requires chief administrative officers who are subjects of a records request appeal to recuse themselves and delegate their appeal duties to another individual

Applies the same conflict-of-interest restrictions to political subdivisions that have adopted their own records access ordinances or policies

Takes effect May 6, 2026, and amends five sections of Utah Code (63G-2-103, 63G-2-204, 63G-2-307, 63G-2-401, and 63G-2-701)