2011 Utah Legislative Session Wrap-Up

The Utah Legislature adjourned sine die on March 10.  Governor Gary Herbert signed into law three pro-gun bills, all of which went into effect on May 10.

House Bill 75, sponsored by state Representative Curtis Oda (R-14), clarifies where law-abiding citizens may possess and carry firearms near schools.  HB 75 limits the definition of “school premises,” for the purpose of firearm possession restrictions, to the grounds of elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education and within the actual buildings of preschools and child-care facilities.  HB 75 was signed into law by the Governor on March 21.  

House Bill 214, also sponsored by state Representative Curtis Oda (R-14), would adjust Concealed Firearm Permit fees by reducing the fee for initial issuance from $35 to $29.75 and increasing the fee for renewal from $10 to $15.  This adjustment aligns the fees charged for the permits with the actual costs associated with issuance.  The Governor signed into law HB 214 on March 21.  

Senate Bill 36, sponsored by state Senator John Valentine (R-14), will require that a non-resident applicant for a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) who lives in a state that recognizes the validity of a Utah CFP or has reciprocity with Utah’s CFP law, must hold a permit from the applicant’s state of residence.  The Governor signed SB 36 into law on March 22.

Also enacted as of May 10 is House Bill 219, sponsored by state Representative Carl Wimmer (R-52), which designates the Browning-designed M1911 as the official state firearm.  The Governor signed this bill into law on March 16.  

Unfortunately, other pro-gun bills failed to pass to during the 2011 session.  These bills are now dead.

House Bill 129, sponsored by state Representative Wimmer, would have allowed concealed carry without a permit.  HB 129 was never brought up for a vote on the House floor.

House Bill 424, sponsored by state Representative Paul Ray (R-13), would have provided that mere possession of a firearm, whether visible or concealed, does not constitute Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, Trespass or similar offenses.  This bill was introduced too late in the session to receive a hearing.

House Bill 223, sponsored by state Representative Stephen Sandstrom (R-58), would have rolled back the existing law so that an innkeeper could only deny accommodations for firearm possession if such possession is unlawful.  HB 223 died on the House floor by a 22 to 48 vote.