[blackpuma]

I got this from GOUtah!:

SB 175 from the 2205 General session would eliminate the prohibition on a person without a concealed weapons permit having a technically "loaded" or "concealed" firearm in his vehicle or a "concealed" firearm in his home.

See <http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2005/htmdoc/sbillhtm/SB0175.htm>

Here is some info on the recent action on this bill:

A very nice victory For the first time that I recall, maybe the first time ever (someone with a longer/better memory will need to correct me), a pro-RKBA bill will be introduced into a Utah general legislative session as a “committee bill,” having come out of an interim committee hearing with a positive recommendation.

During the 2005 general session, Senator Mark Madsen introduced SB 175, “Weapons Amendments.” The bill does three things: 1-It eliminates the prohibition on having a “loaded” (as that term is defined in Utah statute) firearm in a car; 2-It eliminates the prohibition on having a concealed firearm in a car; 3-It makes what we consider to be a technical correction by eliminating current language that could be interpreted as prohibiting a concealed weapon inside your own home, on your own property, or within a business under your control.

A concealed weapons permit already exempts a person from these provisions. This bill would exempt those without permits, making Utah a true, “extended domain” or “unlicensed car carry” State.

Given Utah’s unique definition of “loaded,” and the various ways in which a firearm can be legally kept out of sight without being considered legally “concealed,” the actual effect of this bill is fairly small. But the significance is not to be underestimated.

SB 175 died for lack of time during the 2005 general session, but was referred to interim committee for further study. Sen. Madsen did a great job of preparing for the hearing. And committee chair Sen. Chris Buttars gave plenty of time to explain the bill, and answer some hostile questions from two committee members. Representatives from GOUtah!, the NRA, and several individuals were on hand with prepared statements or presentations in support of the bill, though only the GOUtah! representative and one individual were able to speak today. No one opposed to the bill seemed to be in attendance.

With either one or two committee members absent for the vote, there were only two NAY votes (form perpetually anti-RKBA democrat house members), with all other committee members voting AYE. That is roughly an 11-2-1 vote. The bill will now advance to the General Session as a "committee bill" sponsored by Sen. Madsen. The number will change, but for now SB 175 from the 2005 general session is adequate. Text of the bill may be seen here. The official vote will be available at a link on this page once the minutes for today's hearing are posted.

Finally, for any interested in listening to the hearing, a RealAudio recording is available at this legislative link <http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2005&Com=INTLAW>. Fast forward to 51:00 minutes to start just before Sen. Madsen introduces the bill.

Our thanks to Sen. Madsen, Senate Chair Chris Buttars, and all those who voted in favor of this common sense bill.

Charles Hardy
GOUtah!

 

[Jeff Johnson]

That is excellent!! I hope it passes. I'll be keeping track of it and will be writing letters to the legislature to urge its passage.

 

[UtahRSO]

I'm aware that one of the more common causes of hunting accidents is to have a loaded firearm in the vehicle, and right now, that's against the law for those without a CFP. Some CFP holders might keep their hunting firearms loaded in the vehicle (remember, that's just having a cartridge in the chamber), just because they know they're not subject to that provision in the hunting proclamation. But since they're not supposed to be shooting from a vehicle, there's no good reason to keep a cartridge in the chamber.

I'm all for having a loaded defensive firearm in the car for any good guys/gals, i just have a concern for hunters taking advantage of that.

 

[concealedutah]

I'm aware that one of the more common causes of hunting accidents is to have a loaded firearm in the vehicle, and right now, that's against the law for those without a CFP. Some CFP holders might keep their hunting firearms loaded in the vehicle (remember, that's just having a cartridge in the chamber), just because they know they're not subject to that provision in the hunting proclamation. But since they're not supposed to be shooting from a vehicle, there's no good reason to keep a cartridge in the chamber.

I'm all for having a loaded defensive firearm in the car for any good guys/gals, i just have a concern for hunters taking advantage of that.

This is a training issue. I think safety is improving as we gun owners and even the general public become more aware. I would like to see firearm safety classes become more a part of our society.

I know that one of the reasons I used to justify my permit to my wife was that I could then go to and from a range without having to worry about breaking the law.

I think you would see a reduction of road rage if people thought that someone else may be armed.

We as a society need to have a mindset that the "other person may be armed, so lets be polite". A little self control will do wonders.

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Yes, an armed society is a polite society (with a nod to Robert Heinlein).

I favor firearm safety training in all schools. Everybody should be taught the NRA Gun Safety Rules.

 

[blackpuma]

I'm aware that one of the more common causes of hunting accidents is to have a loaded firearm in the vehicle, ...

IMHO that's an education issue. Attack the problem at the root, rather than punish everybody for the sake of a very few careless individuals.

 

[Cinhil]

This is a win, for all Utah citizens!
I believe this will be a good bill & eliminate anything that may have been confusing in the law before this.
Yes, I agree whole heartedly that educaion in the schools would be a great thing. It would educate & dispell the spurious myths being touted as truth, and teach responsibility as well as the importance of our constitution & civil rights.