Utah Legislature: Senate passes gun brandishing bill

SALT LAKE CITY — The Senate approved an amended version of a bill that would clarify state gun laws to allow gun owners to display a gun in self-defense.

HB78 has been revised several times. Along with initially passing the bill Wednesday, the Senate also inserted language that will allow a person to draw a dangerous weapon in self-defense. That language was included in the first version of the bill but was removed by a House committee.

Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said the legislation would give people who carry weapons a better idea of what is allowed.

Under the law, it will still be illegal to brandish a gun or other weapon in a "threatening manner," Valentine said.

See the bill at le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0078S03.htm