A bill in the Legislature would allow concealed weapons permit holders to openly carry firearms on nearly any publicly owned area, including sports arenas, hospitals and university campuses.

However, Rep. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, proposed an amendment to HB473 Monday, exempting universities from the legislation. Some members argued open display of guns at colleges could hamper faculty recruitment and retention efforts.

"I had an interesting conversation with a distinguished college professor in the state," said Rep. Kory Holdaway, R-Taylorsville. "He asked 'What are you guys doing, going to allow students to carry guns into my class as a sidearm, ready to pull or draw at any time? If that happens, I'm leaving the state, and I'm not the only one.' "

Rep. Roz McGee, D-Salt Lake City, who represents a district heavily populated by faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Utah, echoed those concerns, citing a dean of a college who is trying to recruit professors for the USTAR program.

"This dean said to me that he knows of faculty members who will probably leave the University of Utah and accept a position at an institution out of state if the very worst form of this legislation were to pass," she said. "He said also it is hampering their recruitment efforts. The statutes of this state with regard to concealed weapons are well-known among academics."

They aren't the only ones paying attention to the debate. National news agencies have covered the bill's progress.

Several lawmakers opposed the amendment, calling it an affront to gun rights.

"This is infringing on law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights," said Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem. "By approving this amendment we are taking existing law and putting restrictions on this existing law. There has never been an incident where the existing law has caused any harm on any university campus."

The Senate still must vote on the bill.

smcfarland@sltrib.com