R131-11-1. Purpose

(1) The purpose of this rule is to:

(a) promote and encourage free speech on the Capitol Hill Complex;

(b) preserve the right of every person to exercise free speech and freedom of assembly as protected by the constitutions of the state of Utah and the United States, within the Capitol Hill Complex subject to lawful time, place and manner rules regarding free speech activities necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, including safety and security considerations, the rights of others to exercise free speech and freedom of assembly, and minimizing the disruption to governmental business;

(c) facilitate public assembly and communication between people at the Capitol Hill Complex;

(d) designate areas under the Capitol Preservation Board's (Board) control, including those areas delegated from the Legislative Management Committee of the Capitol Hill Complex for free speech activities as specified in this rule that are necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, including safety and security considerations, the rights of others to exercise free speech and freedom of assembly, and minimizing the disruption to governmental business; and

(e) establish guidelines to promote and encourage free speech activities and public assembly on the Capitol Hill Complex.

(2) This rule is intended to further the following governmental interests:

(a) to promote and encourage free speech activities on the Capitol Hill Complex;

(b) to provide for lawful time, place and manner rules regarding free speech activities necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare;

(c) to provide safety and security of the person(s);

(d) to minimize disruption to or interruption of the conduct of state business;

(e) to maintain unobstructed and efficient flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic between and within the Capitol Hill Complex in order to provide safety and security of persons, emergency vehicle access, and assure accessibility to public services;

(f) to provide all persons their guaranteed right of free speech and freedom of assembly without harm or interruption;

(g) to inform persons of their responsibilities regarding littering, damage to, and vandalism of the Capitol Hill Complex; and

(h) to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all persons visiting or using the Capitol Hill Complex.