Utah: Governor Signs Three NRA-Supported Bills into Law

The NRA is pleased to report that Governor Gary Herbert has signed three pro-gun bills into law: House Bill 117, House Bill 129 and House Bill 395.  All three laws went into effect immediately upon the Governor signing them.

House Bill 117, introduced by state Representative Ken Ivory (R-47), repeals the limitation on carrying a concealed firearm while hunting and will make a technical amendment to existing law by changing the term “sawed-off shotgun” to “short barrel shotgun.”

House Bill 129, introduced by state Representative Patrick Painter (R-67), clarifies and strengthens Utah’s statute which protects a property owner from civil liability if the person is justified in defending his or her home and family against criminal activity.

Lastly, 1^st Substitute House Bill 395, introduced by Stephen Sandstrom (R-58), will make a number of positive changes to existing law, including the following:

1. Moves Utah closer to the proposition that a person is innocent until proven guilty by repealing the current law that requires suspension of a concealed firearm permit based on a person merely being charged with a crime; 

2. Fixes a “Catch-22” in the current law and provides 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

3. Helps law-abiding firearm owners and sellers by targeting straw purchasers and other people who knowingly attempt to illegally or fraudulently purchase firearms.  This provision was taken from the Fraudulent Firearm Purchase Prevention Act, NRA model legislation to protect lawful firearm retailers from illegal gun sting operations such as those by anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Bloomberg has sent hired agents into other states to attempt illegal firearm purchases in an effort to blame federally licensed firearm retailers for gun crime in New York City and around the country.

Please contact Governor Gary Herbert and thank him for supporting the Second Amendment and signing HB 117, HB 129 and 1st Substitute HB 395 into law.  You can communicate with the Governor through his online e-mail form by clicking here. 

We also thank you for your support and participation during the 2012 legislative session.