Senate moves to change gun permit rules
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] By Lee Davidson
The Salt Lake Tribune
First published Jan 28 2011 02:37PM
Updated Jan 29, 2011 12:09AM
SB34 »
Out-of-state gun owners who seek a Utah concealed-weapon permit — which
is popular because it is recognized by most states — may soon first
need to obtain a permit from their home state, if available.
The Senate voted 28-0 on Friday to give
preliminary approval to SB34, which would make the change. A final vote
is expected next week.
Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, the bill’s
sponsor, said the Utah permit is popular because it is recognized by 33
other states — the most of any state permit — so owners can carry guns
in most places nationally with just that one certificate.
But he said states such as Nevada and New
Mexico recently quit recognizing Utah permits. He said they claim that
is out of concern that Utah permits do not require any measure of
shooting proficiency, but he said the states actually appear upset that
their own residents often apply only for a Utah license without also
obtaining a local one.
Valentine said the bill would give states
control over their own residents, help ensure that Utah permits are
still recognized by potentially jealous states, and help Utah residents
by ensuring their permits will be recognized more widely.
Senate President Michael Waddoups,
R-Taylorsville, said, “Guns are always an easy target, if you will, for
people to pick on. But this is well thought-out. It’s an important
issue.”