(Al Hartmann archive photo | Tribune via AP) On March 1, 2018, the archive photo shows Jared Larson carrying a concealed firearm with a new provisional state license, Centerville, Utah. On Friday, February 12, 2021, gun rights activists issued a commemorative press release saying that Utah Governor Spencer Cox had signed a bill to abolish the law requiring authorization to carry a concealed weapon. .
Gun rights activists on Friday were celebrating when Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation that overturns the law that requires the Utahns to have a state license to legally carry a concealed weapon.
A press release from the National Association for Gun Rights welcomed the legislation.
“Constitutional carriage is the simple concept that law-abiding citizens legally authorized to carry a firearm should also be allowed to carry that weapon openly, or hidden, without having to pay tax or obtain government authorization”, said the group, which describes itself as “the largest ‘no-compromise’ pro-arms organization in the country.”
The NRA also congratulated the governor on signing the measure
“There is no reason why a law-abiding person should have to ask permission to carry a firearm for self-defense,” said Jason Ouimet, executive director. “Passing this bill demonstrates Utah’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ Second Amendment rights.”
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St. George and Senator David Hinkins, R-Orangeville, take effect on May 5.
Opponents have warned that the move will make Utah less secure.
Most suicides in the state involve firearms, they note.
In addition, the cancellation of the authorization requirement would also mean that courses in familiarity with firearms, in which a candidate must demonstrate that he can safely load and unload a weapon, are also no longer mandatory.
Criminal background checks for all license applicants will also come to an end. These checks prevented nearly 1,900 applicants from obtaining permits last year, including scores that had crimes on their records, from murder to theft and sexual assault, according to state records.
Another feature of the current system is that the state database of hidden license holders undergo a daily court check and those who present a disqualifying charge or conviction have their licenses suspended or revoked. The state suspended or revoked 2,400 permits last year, including at least one for the charge of disarming a police officer.
“Our licenses are repaid in other states. Half of our issued permits are for residents of other states, ”said Hinkins, the Senate sponsor.
Sen. Gene Davis of D-Salt Lake City argued against the bill in the Senate floor.
“We have many bills that try to limit the police and the use of deadly weapons. But then we moved on with a bill like this that just says ‘OK, let’s arm the citizens,’ ”said Davis. “I just don’t think it’s a good public policy. This is 2021. This is no longer the Wild West. “