Measure clarifies gun policy for schools

Sen. Mike Waddoups on Friday explained a bill in what he called "plain language." Only the state Legislature can set policy regarding guns on public property, including the state's public schools.

"This was the intent of the Legislature when it was passed," Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, said, referencing the 1996 legislation that gives concealed weapons permit holders the right carry their weapons anywhere in the state, except in secure areas designated by lawmakers or on private property.

"The universities are public property, schools are public property," Waddoups told the Senate Judiciary and Law Enforcement Committee.

Waddoups' bill — SB48 — would clarify the earlier law as it relates to public schools and institutions of

higher education because a 3rd District Court judge ruled last August that a long-standing gun ban at University of Utah essentially trumps state law.

Friday morning, the State Board of Regents and representatives of the System of Higher Education requested via letter that lawmakers abdicate their authority on the issue to the state's 10 public colleges and universities.

The bill, however, passed on a 4-1 vote and will continue through the legislative process. Sen. Patrice Arent, D-South Cottonwood, cast the only nay.

E. George Mantes, a former legislator and current regents' vice chairman, asked the committee to designate colleges and universities as safe havens or sanctuaries similar to religious institutions.

U. trustee and former Utah congressman Jake Garn said he supports the concealed-carry law but thinks the Legislature should let schools set their own policies.

The state's largest private university, LDS Church-owned Brigham Young University, supports campus gun bans. General counsel Tom Griffith said he had been asked by the U. to tell the committee about the Y's policy prohibiting staff, students and faculty from possessing firearms on campus or in any university housing.

Even visitors must leave their guns at home or obtain written permission from campus police. As a private school BYU has authority to set its own policy.

The presence of weapons could reduce the university's ability to "create the atmosphere we seek" while increasing risk, he said.

Members of the Utah Shooting Sports Council and the Utah Self-defense Instructors Network reminded lawmakers of the individual's right to self-protection.