(KCPW News) State Representative Brian King is one of the most vocal Democrats in the Utah Legislature. When Republicans try to pass controversial bills, he’s frequently the voice in opposition heard on the floor of the House of Representatives. Now, the freshman lawmaker is going for a second term. We asked him about public education, immigration, the economy, and more as he runs for re-election.

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.

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.

Watch the video.

State Sovereignty Considered on 2nd-to-Last Day of Session (KCPW FM)

03.11.2010 by Whittney Evans

(KCPW News) The Utah House passed a resolution supporting state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment Wednesday. It urges the federal government not to impose mandates under threat of criminal or civil penalties, or the loss of federal funding. But Salt Lake City Democratic Representative Brian King argued that federal stimulus dollars allowed the state to fund critical programs over the past year. And he said Utah takes out more money from the Federal treasury each year than it contributes.

“I’m illustrating the inconsistency of our railing on the federal government on the one hand and our fervent desire to obtain every federal dollar we can on the other,” he said. “We need to think about the discrepancy between our words and our actions a little more.”

The Resolution passed 47 to 19, with little support from House Democrats. States’ rights dominated part of this year’s legislative session. Democrats previously held a press conference to say they supported states rights, but were focused on more pressing issues.

Politics Up Close: State Rep. Brian King (KCPW FM)

State Sovereignty Considered on 2nd-to-Last Day of Session (KCPW FM)