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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."