(Al Hartmann | Photo from Tribune archive via AP) This March 1, 2018, archive photo shows Jared Larson carrying a concealed firearm with a new interim state permit, Centerville, Utah. On Friday, February 12, 2021, gun rights activists issued a statement saying Utah Governor Spencer Cox had signed a bill to end the law requiring a permit to carry a hidden weapon.
On Friday, gun rights activists celebrated the fact that Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation that overturned the law that required Utahns a state permit to legally carry a concealed weapon.
A press release from the National Association for Arms Rights celebrated the legislation.
“Constitutional Carry is the simple concept that law-abiding citizens who have legal permission to own a handgun, should also be allowed to carry that weapon openly or secretly without having to pay any taxes or obtain a permit. government, ”the group said. , which describes itself as “the nation’s largest pro-weapons organization.”
The ANR also congratulated the governor on signing the measure
“There’s no reason for a law-abiding person to have to ask permission to carry a firearm for self-defense,” said Jason Ouimet, executive director. “The passage of this bill demonstrates Utah’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens from the Second Amendment.”
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St. George and Sen. David Hinkins of R-Orangeville will take effect on May 5th.
Opponents have warned that the move will make Utah less secure.
Most suicides in the state involve a firearm, they point out.
In addition, waiving the permit requirement would also mean that familiarity courses with firearms, in which an applicant is supposed to demonstrate that he or she can safely load and unload a weapon, are no longer mandatory.
Criminal records will also be removed for anyone who wants to carry a legally concealed weapon and will only be required for those applying for a permit. These checks prevented nearly 1,900 applicants from obtaining permits last year, including scores that had registered offenses, from murder to theft and sexual assault, according to state records.
Another feature of the current system is that the state database of hidden transportation permit holders is conducted through a daily judicial check and those found to have a disqualifying charge or conviction have their permits suspended or revoked. Last year the state suspended or revoked 2,400 permits, including at least one for a disarmament charge of a police officer.
“Our permits correspond to other states. Half of our permits issued are to residents of other states, “said Hinkins, a Senate sponsor.
Senator Gene Davis of D-Salt Lake City argued against the bill on the Senate floor.
“We have a lot of bills that try to limit police officers and their use of deadly weapons. But then we turn around with a bill like this that just says ‘Okay, let’s arm the citizenry,'” he said. dir Davis. “I do not think this is a good public policy. We are in 2021. It is no longer the Old West. “
Correction: at 9:33 pm on February 12th. Criminal records will continue to be required of those applying for permits, but will not be mandatory for anyone legally carrying a concealed weapon.