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State House approves bill to fix new “gag order” law limiting local officials

The state House has approved a bill meant to clarify a controversial new law limiting what local officials can say publicly about ballot questions.

Civic and local school officials say the law imposes a “gag order” – making it illegal for them to give factual information on ballot proposals.

State Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons, R-Alto, says her bill makes it clear that local officials can give information as long as it’s factual and neutral.

“The bill continues to protect taxpayers and makes sure that they are not funding political campaigns,” Lyons told reporters on Tuesday.

Democrats and local leaders say the legislation is still too vague and would lead to lawsuits.

The legislation now goes to the state Senate.