Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Suicide Prevention Firearms topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves voluntary firearm purchase restrictions intended for suicide prevention
Summary
House Bill 282 creates a voluntary process allowing people to place themselves on a restricted list to limit firearm purchases for a period (removal after 30 days allowed); sponsor and supporters framed it as a tool to prevent suicide and the House passed the bill 70–0.
The Utah House on March 2 approved House Bill 282, a voluntary suicide-prevention measure that establishes a process for individuals to temporarily restrict their ability to purchase firearms.
Representative Malloy, sponsor of the bill, said the measure "creates a voluntary process for a person to restrict their ability to purchase a firearm temporarily" and asked the Bureau of Criminal Identification to develop forms and procedures. Under the bill, an individual may request removal after 30 days and law enforcement is required to destroy related records after a person is removed from the voluntary restricted list.
During floor discussion, members asked how the new process relates to existing options. Malloy noted people currently may use a "safe harbor" process to have law enforcement temporarily hold firearms or ask family and friends to hold guns. He said the 30‑day period reflects research indicating many suicidal episodes last about 30–45 days and emphasized the program is voluntary.
Supporters including Representative Perry and Representative Lisonbee described the measure as an additional tool to prevent firearm suicide and urged its passage. Representative Malloy reiterated that the bill does not force people to give up firearms and that privacy and voluntariness are central features.
The House approved the bill by voice vote and the clerk announced the tally as 70 yes, 0 no. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
