This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The sponsor of the most contentious gun bill for several years running — which would make it legal for adults to carry concealed weapons without a permit — never pulled the trigger on his legislation this year, but several other firearms bills did pass the Legislature with broad support.
Sen. David Hinkins agreed early in the session to shelve his so-called Constitutional Carry bill this year after encouragement from Senate leaders who were concerned about Utah liberalizing gun laws while militia members were holed up in an Oregon wildlife refuge.
Rep. Justin Fawson, R-Ogden, passed a bill that would protect gunmakers and sellers from lawsuits by victims of gun violence, as long as they follow the laws.
A bill sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, would enable schools to offer a gun safety course, instructing kids not to play with guns and notify a parent if they find a firearm.
Legislation passed by House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, would track data on suicides involving guns, since 85 percent of gun deaths in the state are suicides.
— By Robert Gehrke