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Senate approves forced substitute of HB 134 to expand suicide-prevention firearm safety measures, debate focuses on funding
Summary
Lawmakers passed a forced substitute of HB 134 that sponsors described as a suicide-prevention and firearms-safety package (brochures, trigger-lock distribution, discounted safes). Dissent centered on whether the measure shifted funds outside usual appropriation channels.
The Utah Senate passed a forced substitute of House Bill 134 on the floor after sponsors said the measure aims to help reduce youth suicide by encouraging safe storage and creating educational materials.
Senator Reid described the measure as “really the intent of it is to be a suicide prevention bill,” saying the bill would empower the suicide‑prevention coordinator to develop parent-focused materials and provide free trigger/cable guards and discounted gun‑safe coupons to applicants for concealed carry permits.
Several senators praised the public-safety intent. Senator Madsen said the incentives and materials could give families concrete tools to keep firearms secure. But Senator Valentine said he would vote no, contending that the bill “is sidestepping and going around our budgetary process” by reallocating departmental balances and taking funds that, in his view, should have moved through subcommittee appropriations.
Other members disputed Valentine’s description on the floor, and sponsors said the language safeguards the concealed-weapons account rather than removing funds. After debate and recorded statements of explanation, the forced substitute passed on roll call.
The sponsor framed the bill as having broad stakeholder review; the senator cited reviews by the Utah Shooting Sports Council and noted the NRA’s neutral position in committee. The bill passed by recorded vote and will be transmitted to the House for signature.
