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11/11/05-The Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee voted 12-2 Wednesday, Nov. 9, to advance an effort that would allow any person who can lawfully own a weapon to be able to conceal it loaded in a vehicle.
Utah law now allows for a firearm in a vehicle, but only if it is unloaded and either out in the open or securely contained in a place other than a center console or a glove box. Concealed-weapons permit holders are exempt from the restrictions.
The effort’s sponsor, Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, said 24 states allow people to drive with a loaded gun. Eleven states have no restrictions on loaded firearms, and 13 states have some limits.
He told The Salt Lake Tribune studies in states that allow people to drive with a loaded weapon have shown no discernible increase in crime, road-rage incidents or accidents with firearms.
The bill now heads to the full Legislature for further consideration when the regular session begins in January.
Utah law now allows for a firearm in a vehicle, but only if it is unloaded and either out in the open or securely contained in a place other than a center console or a glove box. Concealed-weapons permit holders are exempt from the restrictions.
The effort’s sponsor, Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, said 24 states allow people to drive with a loaded gun. Eleven states have no restrictions on loaded firearms, and 13 states have some limits.
He told The Salt Lake Tribune studies in states that allow people to drive with a loaded weapon have shown no discernible increase in crime, road-rage incidents or accidents with firearms.
The bill now heads to the full Legislature for further consideration when the regular session begins in January.