Governor Considers Bill that Would Subject BYU Police to Public Records Law

Legislation that would compel the Brigham Young University police to answer public records requests was passed by the Utah House of Representatives and is now under the consideration of Governor Gary Herbert.

According to the Student Press Law Center —a Washington-based non-partisan 501c(3) which works to promote, support and defend the First Amendment and press freedom rights of high school and college journalists—the agency had previously denied a public records request from the Salt Lake Tribune, stating that the law did not apply because BYU is a private university.

"The law would expand the definition of a law enforcement agency to cover any law enforcement entity in Utah that’s certified by state agencies, including those on private college campuses such as Brigham Young University," SLPC reported.

The case regarding the Tribune request is now with the Utah Supreme Court.