Critics of SB67, which passed the Senate on Wednesday and awaits House approval, say the bill places the rights of gun owners over those of property owners.

"This strips so much power and authority from property owners," said Sen. Pat Jones, D-Holladay. "The rights of the gun owner should not trump the rights of the property owner."

But bill sponsor Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, says the bill allows employees or customers to protect themselves while driving to and from businesses.

"This is a measure to protect law-abiding citizens wanting self-protection," Madsen said.

The bill states that if a business owner wants to keep his or her parking lot gun-free, the owner must build a fence or wall and have a gun locker available for concealed weapons permit holders to store their guns.

That makes no sense to John Williams, president of restaurant chain Gastronomy.

"It sounds like a ridiculous waste of time, dealing with this kind of legislation," Williams said. "In the 35 years of doing business, nothing has occurred where this legislation would be required."

Natalie Gouchner, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer, said the chamber opposes the bill because of workplace safety and liability issues. "Employers need the ability and the mechanisms to control workplace safety," Gouchner said.

Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said he sees the bill as striking a balance between Second Amendment rights and property rights.

Madsen agrees.

A business owner's "power does not creep up under the carriage of the car and into the glove box or trunk to where you can tell that individual what they can or can't keep in their own personal property," Madsen said. "The business owner does not have the ability to control what happens in the private property of customers or employees."

smcfarland@sltrib.com

SB67

Gun rights vs. property rights