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House approves concealed‑carry reciprocity with new background‑check condition
Summary
The Utah House passed Third Substitute House Bill 376 to recognize concealed‑carry permits issued by other states, agreeing to a substitute amendment that limits reciprocity to permits issued by states or counties that require a criminal‑history background check. Supporters cited tourism and safety; opponents warned the change could lower Utah’s standards.
The Utah House on Feb. 23 passed Third Substitute House Bill 376, a measure that directs Utah to recognize concealed‑carry permits issued by other states and to allow nonresident law‑enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms off duty.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Donaldson, framed the measure as a fairness and tourism issue, saying the state should “honor concealed carry permits issued by another state” so visitors and tourists can travel without leaving firearms at home. He argued reciprocity would help Utah’s economy ahead of large events and that many out‑of‑state permit holders wrote urging passage.
Opposition focused on public‑safety standards. Representative Cox urged reinstating language that reciprocity apply only when the issuing jurisdiction’s permit standards meet or exceed Utah’s, noting many states issue permits without meaningful background checks. Cox told colleagues that “Alabama has no requirement to conduct a background investigation” and cited other states where local sheriffs or chiefs issue permits without statewide vetting.
Representative Thompson offered a substitute amendment requiring that Utah recognize only permits from “another state or county that requires a criminal history background check prior to issuance of a concealed firearm permit.” After procedural votes to end debate, the House adopted the substitute amendment by voice and a recorded vote on the amendment passed 38‑0. The full bill, as amended, passed on final consideration with a recorded vote of 52 yes and 20 no and will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
Supporters said the amendment preserved a constitutional duty while addressing standards: “full faith and credit shall be given to each state,” proponents noted, but the substitute was described as a practical safeguard to ensure recognized permits are based on background checks. Critics warned the bill still broadens reciprocity in ways that could reduce uniformity with Utah’s prior standard.
The House debate included multiple members recounting constituent letters and personal anecdotes to illustrate safety and travel concerns. Representative Donaldson said the amended bill “isn’t totally what I wanted but I think it’ll be for a start,” and urged support. The next step is Senate consideration; the House sent the amended bill to the Senate for further action.
