Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Firearm Storage Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senator Wilson seeks $50,000 to educate Utahns about voluntary firearm storage options during crisis
Summary
Senator Wilson proposed a public awareness campaign to inform gun owners and families about voluntary, temporary storage options (police stations/sheriff’s offices) for persons in crisis; the ask is $50,000 for outreach.
Senator Wilson asked the subcommittee for a modest appropriation to fund a public education campaign about voluntary firearm storage for persons in crisis. He said the ask is $50,000 to publicize existing safe‑harbor options offered by police and sheriff departments and — later — to expand statutory coverage to include federal firearms licensees.
Why it matters: Presenters said firearms are involved in a large share of Utah suicides and that voluntary, short‑term storage options can reduce risk when an owner or family member identifies a crisis. The proposal would fund outreach (digital and traditional media) to reach firearm owners and family members with information about how to temporarily relinquish firearms to law enforcement.
Senator Wilson said a later statutory expansion could allow licensed gun retailers to accept voluntary storage, but the immediate step is public awareness of existing options at law‑enforcement locations. The senator framed the request as an early‑stage public‑health outreach investment rather than a regulatory change.
Ending: The committee had no questions on the record; the senator asked the panel to consider a $50,000 appropriation for statewide outreach.
