Salt Lake City -
A legislator is considering a proposal to change Utah's
concealed weapons permit laws. Legislator Stephen Sandstrom from Orem
said it would be a good idea to eliminate the conceal and carry permit.
He said one reason for this would be to protect citizens from criminals.
It would be a natural extension to second amendment rights, said
Sandstrom.
Some lobbyists agree with Sandstrom and feel it would be a natural progression toward more freedoms.
"This bill is not a big step from where we are right now," said Lobbyist
Clark Aposhian. "You can have a concealed and loaded firearm in your
vehicle, in your home, [and] in your place of business."
If passed, the bill would eliminate permit requirements. Gun owners,
however, would still have the option to get a permit to be recognized in
other states.
Similar laws have been passed in Vermont, Arizona, and Alaska.
In published reports, some police officers said Utah should keep the
existing system. Democrats oppose the proposal and said it could lead to
more people walking around with guns on the streets. Even some gun
advocates said they are concerned because it would eliminate background
checks and required classroom training. They said they fear it may
affect the public perception of gun advocates and lessen their
credibility.
The bill will go before the legislature in the next session around late January.
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