Several shootouts over gun bills ricocheted through the Legislature this year.
A bill to allow young adults, age 18 and older, to get concealed-carry permits gained final approval Thursday. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, said HB198 is intended to protect women, particularly college students, from sexual assault.
"Research shows that violent crimes, including rape, are reduced when more law-abiding citizens carry concealed handguns," she said earlier.
Opponents said that doesn't pan out in Utah, where there is a high rate of sexual assault and gun ownership is prolific.
Another piece of legislation that hit the mark was HB206. It would restrict people convicted of domestic violence or who had a protective order against them from owning a firearm. The bill's sponsor, House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, said adding the measure to state code would allow for more resources devoted to local enforcement.
Another gun bill took a shot and missed.
Rep. Lee Perry, R-Perry, wanted to allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
In anticipation of a veto from Herbert, Perry added a provision to HB237 that would ban gun possession or purchase by those with domestic violence convictions or who had restraining orders against them.
The bill passed the House but Perry and the Senate sponsor ultimately pulled the measure due to hardball opposition from the National Rifle Association, which rejected the domestic violence addition.
Finally, lawmakers approved HB252 generally to bar police from destroying firearms seized in crimes, and requiring them to be sold — with proceeds used to benefit fallen officers.
ldavidson@sltrib.com ctanner@sltrib.com
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