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Committee holds bill that would make altered toy guns an infraction, sponsor to revise language
Summary
A House committee held HB0083 after stakeholders warned its current wording could sweep in lawful airsoft competitors and other recreational users; sponsor Jake Fitzsimano said he will work with law enforcement and interest groups to clarify that the measure targets knowingly altered imitation firearms in public places.
Jake Fitzsimano, House District 30, told the committee HB0083 was drafted to address incidents in which imitation firearms altered to look real prompted armed responses.
"The bill that's before you now ... is really one that's meant to let kids be kids, and to lead with an educative approach rather than a punitive approach," Fitzsimano said, arguing a first response would be educational and only repeated, knowing possession in public would risk a citation.
Committee members pressed for specifics on which devices the bill would cover and how enforcement would work. Fitzsimano said the measure targets non‑firearm devices now regulated by federal code — examples he gave include airsoft and pellet guns — that become more dangerous when orange tips are removed or the devices are painted to resemble real firearms. He told the committee the statute's "public place" definition includes streets, parks, school common areas, transit facilities and shops, and said private‑property uses and theatrical props were not intended to be covered.
Public commenters split over the bill. Rael Cunningham of Women for Gun Rights said she and her sons compete in airsoft and worried the language — which the committee heard uses "look alike" rather than "altered" — could expose lawful competitors to infractions. "It doesn't say altered to look alike. It just says look alike," Cunningham said, urging clearer language. Clark Aposhen, chair of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, recommended focusing on "brandishing" (display with intent to intimidate) rather than criminalizing mere possession in public.
After discussion, Representative Moss moved a favorable recommendation but withdrew that motion when Representative Shipp offered a substitute motion to hold the bill so the sponsor could work with stakeholders. The committee voted roll call and the substitute motion to hold HB0083 passed unanimously.
Next steps: Fitzsimano said he will work with law‑enforcement officials, shooting‑sports groups and families to draft clearer definitions and safeguards. The bill was held in committee pending revision.
