A bill that would require private employers to allow guns in their parking lots or provide guarded storage lockers passed the Senate on Tuesday.
SB78, sponsored by Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Eagle Mountain, would allow business owners to seek an exemption if providing a separate, fenced-in parking lot or installing a security guard would be too costly. However, an employee at such a business could sue for the right to bring his or her gun to work and force the business to install such measures.
The bill automatically excludes businesses exempted under Department of Homeland Security measures, including refineries and chemical plants.
"Real property rights," Madsen said, "do not trump personal property rights of a car owner or the life right of an employee."
Sen. Pat Jones, D-Holladay, said the bill "unfairly" added a burden to business owners who do not want to allow guns on their property.
The bill passed 25-4 and moves to the House.
