Even if the state eliminates the out-of-state instructors, however, Anderson said there are still concerns over the out-of-state permit holders themselves. For the first time in the 13 years of the program, nearly as many permits are being issued to nonresidents as to Utahns.

The permits are good for five years and, just like with the out-of-state instructors, there is no monitoring of an out-of-state permit holder's criminal record until they apply for renewal. In contrast, Utah instructors and permit holders are checked daily for criminal activity.

Huntsman said he has "a hard time getting comfortable" with extending the concealed weapons permit program to non-Utahns.

"I have yet to identify where this serves any of our state's interests," the governor said. "There's no way to measure quality control. We're making use of our DPS personnel and their time that is otherwise better spent here in the state."

Deputy Public Safety Commissioner Richard Townsend said the department and the governor share the same concerns. He acknowledged that any change to the program will be a tough sell to those who support gun rights.

Like Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman. Wimmer, who sits on the interim committee that heard from Townsend and Anderson, said he opposes forcing would-be permit holders from outside Utah to come here for training.

"Maybe you don't have the money to travel out-of-state to come to Utah to spend a few days to take the class," Wimmer said. "We're segregating the folks who can afford to come here from those who can't."

Wimmer said all Americans have a right to defend themselves. "There are a lot of places where people can't get concealed weapons permits, and Utah has been able to fill that void," he said.

But Townsend said the issue involves state's rights as much as the Second Amendment.

"We recognize we're not going to make all the people happy," Townsend said. "This is such a polarizing issue."

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