Proposed gun policies trigger state's interest

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has questions about Granite and Jordan school districts' proposed gun policies, and wants to meet with school officials to clear the air.

"I think (Shurtleff and other lawyers) want to make sure they understand exactly what it is that they've done," Attorney General's Office spokesman Paul Murphy said. "They're not prepared to make any sort of a comment about it yet."

School officials don't know the extent of the office's questions. But those in both districts believe their proposed policies allowing concealed weapons permit holders to tote guns to school, as required under a new law, are sound.

"We've done what we felt we needed to do" in writing the proposed policy, Granite assistant superintendent and attorney Martin Bates said. "We contacted (the state Department of) Risk Management, and they reviewed the language, and were pretty pleased with it. So I don't know what concerns they have, but we certainly look forward to hearing what they are."

Jordan Board of Education President Peggy Jo Kennett agrees.

"We would be glad to talk to them to see if there are clarifications we need to make, because we want to be in compliance with the law."

The proposed policies come under a law passed by the 2003 Legislature. The law aims to clear up legal conflicts regarding where concealed weapons permit holders can carry guns. Basically, one law said permit holders can carry guns without restriction; another banned dangerous materials on school campuses, and school districts have extended that to mean guns.

The new law makes it a class B misdemeanor to bring a gun to schools, but exempts concealed weapons permit holders. Also, no longer do permit holders have to notify the principal if they're carrying a gun.

Granite, which had banned employees from bringing guns to school, and Jordan, which was silent on the issue, drafted new employment policies in response to the new law.

Both districts would let employees carry legally concealed guns to school, but eliminate insurance coverage for those who fire weapons for any reason other than self-defense.

Granite's proposal also would require legally concealed guns to be kept with the employee at all times, and ban workers from discussing their permits or concealed weapons with students or colleagues while on the job.

Jordan leaders are looking into adding similar language to their proposal.

The Jordan Board of Education is expected to continue studying the proposed policy for at least the first part of June. The Granite Board of Education is to vote June 17.

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