Legislative lawyers warn the gag order could run afoul of the First Amendment. But the Utah House of Representatives voted 67-0 Thursday to approve and send it to the Senate for final legislative action. The House bill requires anyone involved in or knowledgeable of Olympic security procedures to sign a confidentiality agreement backed up by a criminal penalty - a class A misdemeanor. The gag order is standard federal procedure for large events vulnerable to terrorism, Rep. Gary Cox, a policeman who is sponsoring the legislation, said. The 1996 Atlanta Games were marred by a bombing that killed one person and injured more than 100.
Authorities have yet to find the bomber.
Cox said the volunteers are unlikely to be given sensitive security information. Law enforcement agencies requested the legislation, which instructs Utah's attorney general to draft the gag order. They say the gag order could be challenged under the First Amendment.