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House approves 'defensive display' firearms bill to clarify de-escalation option
Summary
Lawmakers approved a revision to weapons law allowing a person to verbally or defensively display a firearm as a means to de-escalate threats; sponsors said it clarifies existing law and will reduce the need to point or draw a weapon. The bill passed 63–3 and moves to the Senate.
The Utah House passed legislation clarifying that, in some circumstances, a person may verbally indicate they have a weapon or defensively display a firearm to deter a threat without drawing or pointing the weapon.
Representative Sandstrom, sponsor of the first substitute H.B. 78, described it as the "defensive display firearm bill," saying it provides another option to defuse a confrontation. "What this bill will allow somebody to do ... is either verbalize that they have a weapon or they can in a defensive manner display to an assailant that they have a weapon in hopes of diffusing the situation," he said.
Supporters—including law-enforcement representatives on the floor—said the measure clarifies law and can reduce escalation by preventing the need to draw and point a firearm. Opponents raised concerns about potential misuse; the sponsor said the bill makes clear that displaying a weapon during an instigated quarrel or fight remains a crime.
Voting closed with a recorded tally of 63 yes and 3 no. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
