Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Weapons Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate adopts firearms bill with narrow Olympic-era exceptions after liability and rights debate
Summary
The Senate passed a substitute version of SB 122 on Feb. 19, 1999, that creates limited exceptions tied to Olympic security and clarifies state entities’ authority over exclusions; the measure cleared the Senate by recorded vote (19–6–4) after amendments narrowing state liability were adopted.
The Utah Senate adopted a substituted version of Senate Bill 122, a broad revision to the state's concealed-weapons rules that includes narrowly drawn exceptions for facilities and activities tied to the upcoming Olympics and clarifies which state entities may set rules.
Sponsor Sen. Wadhams (referred to in floor remarks as the bill’s sponsor) presented multiple technical amendments intended to clarify that identified entrances are public rather than private, to refine language on sale and transfer of weapons, and to define “state entities” that may not unilaterally enact exclusions. One floor amendment — drafted with State Risk Management input — narrowed the circumstances under which the state could be held liable for injuries tied to concealed-carry permit holders. The amendment replaced a broad liability line with language limiting a cause of action and requiring a heightened proof standard.
Opponents including Sen. Jones and other senators criticized provisions that would extend regulatory reach into private residences and houses of worship. “If it’s only the Olympics, I certainly would vote for the bill,” Jones said, but he objected to provisions that he said reach “private homes and churches” and would continue indefinitely beyond the Olympic period. Supporters pointed to the bill’s narrowly tailored Olympic exception and the inclusion of a sunset for Olympic-related restrictions; the sponsor said the bill had endorsements from the Salt Lake Olympic Committee and the Shooting Sports Council on parts of the measure.
Senators also debated whether the legislature or the executive branch should have authority to set exclusions for public facilities; sponsors argued the state constitution expressly allows the legislature to “define the lawful use of arms,” and amendments were adopted to make legislative intent explicit. After floor amendments addressing liability and clarifying language were adopted, the Senate recorded its vote: the substituted bill passed with 19 ayes, 6 nays and 4 absent.
The bill as adopted promotes legislative control over where concealed weapons are permitted, authorizes specific, limited Olympic-era exclusions and narrows state financial exposure in liability language. Opponents said they would continue to press for removal of private-home and church restrictions in subsequent work; supporters said the measure balances public safety during major events with respect for constitutional rights.
Next steps: The substitute SB 122 will proceed according to the Senate calendar and is expected to be available online with adopted amendments.
