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House passes weapons-regulation preemption bill after rejecting Salt Lake County waiting-period amendment
Summary
The House passed HB 157 on weapons regulation and state preemption (58-14) after rejecting an amendment by Representative Bradshaw that would have allowed Salt Lake County to retain a waiting-period ordinance; debate focused on local control, constitutional rights and public-safety concerns.
The Utah House passed House Bill 157, a package addressing weapons regulation and state preemption, by a recorded vote of 58-14. Lawmakers engaged in a protracted floor debate over local control and a Bradshaw amendment that would have exempted Salt Lake County and permitted it to retain a waiting-period requirement for firearm purchases.
Representative Michael Wadhams opened debate by reading Article I, Section 6 of the Utah Constitution, emphasizing the right "to keep and bear arms" while noting the legislature—s role in defining lawful uses. Representative Bradshaw offered a pink-sheet amendment to allow Salt Lake County to continue enforcing a waiting period for gun buyers; proponents argued it helps keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons and the mentally incompetent and cited local crime concerns in Salt Lake County.
"This amendment would allow Salt Lake County to keep in effect the law requiring the waiting period to determine whether a gun buyer is a convicted felon, a drug addict, a mentally incompetent, or is on parole," Bradshaw said.
Opponents, including Representative Wallops and others, said statewide preemption prevents displacement of problems between jurisdictions and referenced pending Senate proposals to provide statewide background checks that could address concerns; Representative Wallops warned that local exemptions could merely push crime into neighboring counties. Representative Bradshaw and supporters described the amendment as a targeted tool to protect children and neighborhoods in densely populated areas.
The House first rejected the Bradshaw amendment after a division and roll-call (the transcript records the amendment as failing by recorded count); the full bill then proceeded to final passage with the House announcing the bill passed by 58 affirmative and 14 negative votes, and was referred to the Senate.
Next steps: HB 157 moves to the Senate for consideration. The House debate highlighted the continuing tension between local control advocates and lawmakers seeking a uniform statewide approach to gun regulation.
