Utah: Ominous Campaign Disclosure Bill Now Before Governor

Your Immediate Action Needed to Stop Suppression of Political Speech in Utah

House Bill 43, a measure aimed at suppressing political speech by membership organizations such as the NRA, received the final approval in both the Utah House and Senate and is now awaiting Governor Gary Herbert’s (R) approval.  This fatally flawed bill poses a grave risk to freedom of speech in Utah and imposes excessive regulatory burdens on political and commercial interests.  Your action is needed immediately – please contact Governor Herbert TODAY and respectfully request that he veto HB 43 that inhibits your First Amendment freedom needed to protect your Second Amendment rights.

HB 43 would require organizations like the NRA who engage in political speech to immediately disclose the names of virtually all its donors, including those who pay membership dues.  Proponents of HB 43 admitted during debate that their intent was to “have a chilling effect on people who contribute.”  This admission suggests that HB 43 is indeed intended to suppress political speech by organizations such as the NRA.  HB 43 is overly broad, unconstitutionally vague and would chill election-related speech.

This bill is a dangerous, politically motivated measure and must be stopped.  Please call and e-mail Governor Gary Herbert TODAY at 801-538-1000 or 800-705-2464 and email.  Respectfully request that Governor Herbert veto House Bill 43.