DDN – The approximately 9,000-line HB133 amends the state’s gun regulations in a variety of ways, the majority of which are highly technical. The sponsor, House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Syracuse, stated that the bill is intended to “make it easier for law-abiding citizens to understand their rights and for law enforcement officers to enforce the law.”
However, there are numerous substantive changes, the most contentious of which was introduced on Friday: permitting 18-year-olds to open carry.
On Friday, nine people spoke out against the measure during a House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee meeting, including several doctors who are concerned that easing gun limits could lead to more shootings and suicides. They argued that an 18-year-old’s brain is not yet fully formed and that state legislation should reflect this with higher gun ownership limits.
Four persons spoke in support of Lisonbee’s legislation. They argued that the change is small because the law already allows 18-year-olds to carry firearms in certain situations.
Ultimately, lawmakers sided with the latter group, passing the bill with only one “no” vote from the committee’s lone current Democrat, Rep. Sandra Hollins, who represents a portion of Salt Lake City.
“If you oppose this bill, you are not prohibiting carry by 18- to 21-year-olds in Utah,” Lisonbee said on Friday, noting that current law already enables 18-year-olds to carry openly in their car and at home and to receive a provisional concealed carry license.
In addition to decreasing the age for open carry, the bill eliminates the criminal penalty for carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle, which is presently a class B misdemeanor under the Utah code. It also makes carrying a loaded pistol on a public street illegal, which is also a class B misdemeanor.
Landlords would also be forbidden from preventing residents from lawfully possessing firearms in their homes. In addition, the bill amends federal law to make limits on short-barreled shotguns and other modified firearms more consistent.
Reference: Changes to Utah gun laws gain steam in the legislature, including letting 18-year-olds open carry
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