Yesterday, House Bill 117, a firearms modifications bill, passed in the state House of Representatives by a 69 to 0 vote, and now goes to the Utah Senate for its consideration. Additionally, 1st Substitute House Bill 395, a bill that amends Utah’s Concealed Firearm Act and the law pertaining to prohibited persons, passed in the state House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee by a 10 to 3 vote, and now moves to the House floor.
House Bill 117, introduced by state Representative Ken Ivory (R-47), would repeal the limitation on carrying a concealed firearm while hunting and would make a technical amendment to existing law by changing the term “sawed-off shotgun” to “short barrel shotgun.” This bill is currently in the state Senate Rules Committee. We will advise you of any necessary action when the timing is appropriate.
Introduced by state Representative Stephen Sandstrom (R-58), 1st Substitute House Bill 395 would make a number of positive changes to existing law, including the following:
- Move Utah closer to the proposition that a person is innocent until proven guilty by repealing the current law that requires the suspension of a concealed firearm permit based on a person merely being charged with a crime;
- Fix a “Catch-22” in the current law and provide due process by allowing a firearm owner who becomes a restricted person, either by virtue of a conviction or of an alleged violation, to lawfully dispose of firearms in the person’s possession; and
- Help law-abiding firearm owners and sellers by targeting straw purchasers and other people who knowingly attempt to illegally or fraudulently purchase firearms.
The NRA has worked closely with state Representative Sandtrom to ensure that HB 395 was amended to protect and benefit law-abiding gun owners.
Please contact your state Representative TODAY, and respectfully urge him or her to support 1st Substitute HB 395. Contact information for your state Representative can be found here.
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