Senate OKs bill on gun rights

A bill that has the University of Utah in its crosshairs passed the Senate Tuesday, proposing to prevent public places from imposing restrictions on a person's ability to carry a concealed weapon.

The bill gives the Legislature sole authority to regulate gun rights statewide, and specifically forbids public school districts, public schools or state universities to forbid firearms on campus or require anyone to have a permit for a firearm.

SB48 by Senate Majority Leader Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, is a direct reaction to a U. lawsuit against the state that sought to continue the school's policy of prohibiting concealed weapons on its campus.

A 3rd District court judge upheld the university's policy, resulting in Waddoups' bill that says only the legislature can dictate the policy.

"Let's concentrate the debate on the University of Utah," he said. "That is the only issue I am trying to address with this."

The bill passed 20-6 after a complicated amendment by Waddoups left the Senate literally divided; the proposed change died on a 13-13 vote.

Waddoups, responding to earlier retooling by Sen. Greg Bell, R-Farmington, introduced an amendment that left it unclear among many senators if private property owners with "public accommodations" could restrict concealed weapons on their premises. The issue came up, for example, if the Delta Center would be included as place that couldn't impose restrictions.

"Your amendment to this amendment muddies it even worse," said Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Salt Lake.

Walker said she was unclear under the proposal that if, as a business owner who employs five people and regularly deals with clients, she could restrict concealed weapons.

"I don't want guns in my office," she said.

The attempt, Waddoups explained, was to ensure that private property owners with no expectation of accommodating the public could, in fact, restrict the weapons from their premises.

"This is neither for nor against. It leaves it open," he said.

The resistance by many Democrats to Waddoups' proposal continued, however, with Senate Minority Whip Ron Allen, D-Stansbury Park, continuing to urge caution.

"I have not spoken on this issue before but I want to remind you of what you are voting for," Allen said. Pointing out that he served for years as a military investigator, Allen said he routinely carried a concealed weapon but never brought it into churches or schools.

"It was an issue of respect and safety," he said.

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, however said too many people were trying to "wordsmith" the bill to death.

"There is such a paranoia," he said. "This is a great bill. I vote yes."

The measure now advances to the House.

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Contributing: Associated Press

E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com