Utah Legislature: Clarification of gun laws advances

SALT LAKE CITY — A Senate committee approved a bill to clarify Utah firearms laws and allow gun owners to display and threaten to use their guns in self-defense.

The panel passed the bill on Tuesday, despite Democrats who voiced concern that the bill might increase violence.

"I'm not sure this is a step in the right direction," Sen. Ben McAdams, D-Salt Lake. In the end he voted for the bill, while a fellow Democrat, Sen. Ross Romero, Salt Lake City, cast the single no vote.

Supporters of the bill say the law simply clarifies existing law and provides gun owners with more direction.

— Josh Smith