Committee advances bill to restore public default for voter registration records, prompting heated debate over privacy and public verification

The Senate Government Operations committee voted 4–2 on Feb. 4 to forward Senate Bill 153 to the floor. Sponsor Sen. Johnson said the bill resolves a statutory conflict with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by restoring public access to voter registration records by default while retaining protections for individuals who meet a documented "at‑risk" standard.

"Utah's voter privacy framework conflicts with federal law and exposes the state to ongoing litigation risk," Sen. Johnson told the committee, citing a recent federal ruling and requests from federal authorities. Under the bill, certain sensitive identifiers (Social Security numbers, driver license numbers, full dates of birth, signatures, and ballot choices) remain protected, and county clerks must grant non‑disclosure to qualifying at‑risk categories (law enforcement, judges, victims of domestic violence, stalking victims, service members and protected witnesses).

Proponents said the change restores public verifiability and brings Utah into federal compliance. Brian McKenzie, representing county clerks, said clerks worked with the sponsor and expect to address technical concerns. Aaron Davidson, Utah County Clerk, said publishing petition packets can help identify fraudulent signatures and improve transparency.

Opponents warned of significant privacy and safety risks. The League of Women Voters and multiple speakers described how making residential addresses linked to political activity public could endanger survivors of domestic violence and other at‑risk voters, chilling civic participation. Dr. Ronald Mortensen said prior breaches and online publication of voter records prompted him to cancel his registration; others warned the change would make doxxing and harassment easier. Several public commenters asked the sponsor to preserve meaningful privacy protections for at‑risk voters.

Sen. Johnson said the bill preserves a process to designate and protect at‑risk individuals, but critics said requiring people already classified as private to reapply as "at‑risk" could effectively reduce their protections. The sponsor said the bill requires documentation for at‑risk status and commits to work with clerks on implementation details; he also said he would circle the bill on the floor if needed to negotiate technical fixes.

The committee recorded a 4 to 2 favorable recommendation and sent SB153 to the Senate floor; members said that further technical refinement between the sponsor, clerks and advocacy groups is expected as the bill moves forward.