Contact Your State Representative Immediately
Both bills listed below are currently on the House third reading calendar and could be voted on tomorrow. It is imperative that you contact your state Representative immediately.
Yesterday, House Bill 76, sponsored by state Representative John Mathis (R-55), passed in the House Judiciary Committee by a 7-2 vote. HB 76 would allow any person, 21 years of age or older who can lawfully own and possess a firearm, to carry it concealed without a permit.
House Bill 268, sponsored by state Representative Paul Ray (R-13), was amended and passed in the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee yesterday by a 7-3 vote. HB 268 would provide that, in the absence of threatening behavior, the otherwise lawful possession of a firearm, whether visible or concealed, does not constitute a violation of Disorderly Conduct.
There has been a problem in Utah with some jurisdictions arresting people for open carry when it is clearly NOT prohibited by statute. These jurisdictions have sought creative ways to harass law-abiding firearm owners who are legally carrying unconcealed firearms for self-defense. HB 268 would remove one of the ploys (charging the person with Disorderly Conduct) being used by some jurisdictions within Utah to circumvent state law and the Utah Constitution in an attempt to go after these law-abiding firearm owners.
Please contact your state Representative immediately and urge him or her to support HB 76 and HB 268. It is very likely that there will be hostile amendments proposed. Urge your state Representative to vote no on any amendments that the bill sponsors are unwilling to accept. To find your state Representative and his or her contact information, please click here.
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