Utah made it easier to speak and harder to ask.
In the space of three years the Legislature gave Utahns one of the country's strongest anti-SLAPP laws, created a way for agencies to cut off a citizen's records requests, and replaced the independent records committee with a director the governor appoints. Judges, attorneys, media, public officials and ordinary citizens are still mapping this new landscape, and its implications for Utahns’ First Amendment rights. This site tracks all of it, publishes the filings, and keeps the record where anyone can check it.
Something was filed against me→
A petition to cut off your records requests, or a lawsuit that exists because you spoke up, asked questions, or took part. Plain-language walkthroughs of what happens next.
I’m researching the law→
Every Utah decision we can document, with the briefs and orders behind it. Built for people who need the actual filings.
I’m writing about this→
What’s new, what’s pending, and what the record actually supports. Documents and data available for reuse.
What's tracked
Vexatious requester petitions
Agencies asking the state to stop answering a citizen's records requests, under § 63G-2-209. Every one that has produced a public order.
Anti-SLAPP motions (UPEPA)
Special motions for expedited relief under § 78B-25. Appellate decisions are complete; trial court rulings are not, and can't be.
Recently added
Aug 5, 2026 Denied · Vexatious Requester Office of the Lieutenant Governor v. Clara, Maragani, Clawson and Lyman Section 209 reaches one respondent at a time; no aggregating separate citizens as a combination acting in concert. Apr 24, 2026 Granted in part · Vexatious Requester Utah County v. Mark Allen 435 requests met the standard, but public-interest value and good faith cut 12 months to 6. Apr 2, 2026 Granted in part · UPEPA Aston v. Chronicle-Progress LLC Fees reach only work reasonably necessary to prosecute the motion. A $394,000 award reversed. Mar 3, 2026 Denied · UPEPA Jones Smith v. Stembridge Act held not to reach conduct alleged as stalking; prima facie case found on disputed evidence.Latest analysis
The office argued four separate people could be declared vexatious as a single combination acting in concert. The director used the bill sponsor's own words to say no, and warned the theory would let agencies punish lawyers for representing clients.
In 2022, Utah's own press lobby handed the Legislature a phrase. The Legislature made it law the following year. Four House members voted no. The state is now using it against one of them.