House approves bill opening some publicly funded shooting ranges to organized users with conditions

The Utah House on March 14 passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 107, a bill that authorizes use of certain publicly funded shooting ranges by organized groups on an appointment basis, subject to reasonable fees, proof of liability insurance and a requirement for a range safety officer.

Representative Oda, the House sponsor, opened debate by saying the amendment (Amendment No. 7) addressed state, county and public-safety concerns and included protections for existing leases so law-enforcement agencies would not lose access. “This amendment was to basically appease the- the state and county and public safety… we wanted to make sure that we didn't create a window for them to try to find a way out by creating a lease between now and the time the bill goes into effect,” Oda said.

Supporters said the measure could expand access to ranges built with public funds while preserving operational control. Representative Sagers said language about leases came from a county police department that leases property and wanted protection against losing a lease that law enforcement depends on.

Some members cautioned about unintended consequences and a possible slippery slope of opening other publicly funded assets. Representative Greenwood described potential expansionary pressures but said she supported the bill while urging caution.

Representative Mikell and other members raised questions about operational costs for jurisdictions that would open ranges on weekends or evenings; the sponsor said existing language allows groups to arrange use by appointment and does not require ranges to be opened regularly.

After adoption of Amendment No. 7 and additional discussion, the House voted to pass the bill; the clerk recorded 61 yes votes and 13 no votes. The bill will return to the Senate for further consideration.