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House approves short-term firearms 'safe harbor' for families in crisis
Summary
HB121 authorizes a voluntary 60-day gun deposit at local law enforcement as a temporary safety measure for households facing mental-health crises or other emergencies; proponents cited suicide prevention and the measure passed 44-28.
The Utah House passed House Bill 121 on Feb. 26 to create a voluntary, short-term safe harbor allowing gun owners to deposit firearms with local law-enforcement agencies for up to 60 days during family emergencies or mental-health crises.
Sponsor Representative Pitcher described situations—such as a family member saying "I don't wanna live anymore"—where temporarily removing firearms could avert tragedy. He said records of deposited firearms would be shredded after the return process and emphasized that the program is voluntary and does not remove rights.
Supporters including representatives with law enforcement and coroner experience told the House they viewed the proposal as a practical safety tool. Representative Red, who works as a county coroner and with mental-health issues, said quick, local options to secure firearms can prevent harm.
Questions from members probed fiscal impacts and liability for departments that store firearms; the sponsor said participating agencies believed the volume would be small and existing evidence lockers could be used. Representative Lifford asked about costs; the sponsor said law-enforcement agencies had not projected a significant fiscal burden.
The House passed HB121 on a recorded vote, 44 "yay" to 28 "nay." The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
