Everyone who wants to carry a concealed firearm should be required to have a permit. Since the last session of the Utah Legislature removed that requirement, if someone wants to carry a concealed weapon, they do not have to take the class that used to come with the permit requirements. Those classes have very valuable information that taught the firearm owner how to handle a firearm in a responsible and safe way.
Before this rule was changed, I received my concealed weapon permit and took the class. I did not have any prior knowledge of firearm safety or how to handle a firearm. The class taught me how to hold a firearm, when to use it, when I cannot and should not use it, other forms of self-protection and the laws in place for firearm holders.
The problem with not requiring a permit is that people will lack the required knowledge on how to safely handle a firearm once they get it. Some people have no background knowledge on firearms such as myself prior to taking the class. The permit required the person to take a four-hour class with information for their safety and others. If someone has a firearm without a permit, they miss that information and when they get in an actual situation that requires quick thinking, they will not know how to handle the situation and it could become worse.
I strongly believe firearm holders should be required to have a permit for their own safety, their family’s safety, and the safety of the public.
Kimberly Tobar, West Valley City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible