A bill approved by the U.S. Senate late Wednesday puts law enforcement officers in Utah and the rest of the country a step closer to being allowed to carry concealed firearms at all times.

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, HR218, is now on its way to President Bush's desk to be signed.

The bill would allow current and retired police officers who meet certain qualifications to carry a concealed weapon with them if they are not on duty and even if they cross state lines.

The bill does not, however, supercede state laws that allow private citizens to ban concealed weapons on their private properties such as schools and churches.

Sen. Orrin Hatch co-sponsored the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003. He said in a statement that the bill passed Wednesday was important because officers never know when they might be confronted by a person they sent to jail years ago.

"While police officers may not remember the name and face of every criminal he or she has locked behind bars, criminals often have long and exacting memories which make officers a target in or out of uniform, active or retired, on duty or off," Hatch said in his statement.

Supporters of the bill argued the public would also be more protected by having additional off-duty officers, both current and former, prepared to respond to violent situations they happen to come across.

"I think it's a great piece of legislation," said Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard, who is also head of the National Sheriff's Association.

Kennard already requires all his deputies to have reasonable access to their weapons at all times, even if they're off duty. He said it only helps to have qualified officers armed at all times.

"I've been left feeling somewhat naked when I come across situations (out of state) when I wish I had a weapon to back another officer," he said.

The bill specifically defines which officers are eligible to carry a firearm full-time across state boundaries.

Current officers must have arrest power and be qualified by their home department to carry a firearm.

Former officers must have at least 15 years experience and be retired in good standing. They must also requalify annually and meet the same firearm qualification standards as active law enforcers in the state in which they reside.

The bill does not allow officers to carry concealed weapons when intoxicated, and they have to have identification with them when carrying the firearm.

The state Department of Public Safety said Thursday it was in the process of reviewing the new bill to make sure it was in compliance.

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