Senate OKs loaded, concealed firearms in vehicles

The Utah Senate voted Tuesday to extend to gun owners the same rights in their vehicles that they enjoy in their homes.

HB357, sponsored by Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, will allow anyone to have a loaded and concealed weapon in his or her own vehicle without a concealed-weapon permit, or in another person's vehicle with the permission of the owner.

The bill's Senate sponsor, Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Eagle Mountain, said it clarifies unclear and confusing language in existing law, which requires firearms to be unloaded and visible in a vehicle in most circumstances.

"The two seconds it takes to go from unloaded to loaded could be the difference between life and death" for a person trying to defend themselves, said Madsen, who called the current laws "dangerous."

The House version of the bill was amended to exempt minors and to require long rifles that are not "drop safe" and could potentially discharge inside of a vehicle if jolted suddenly — such as shotguns and muzzle-loaders — to be unloaded.

If the House approves the amendments, the bill could be on the governor's desk later this week.

— David Servatius