I’ve been following the Constitutional Carry bill here in Utah. Well that’s what it started out as.
In it’s original form it was a bold piece of legislation that made all of us proud. Then came the pressure from the Salt Lake hippies. Before the bill was even contested…I mean there was barely time for the assigned committee to discuss it…and the bill’s author neutered it. The Constitutional Carry portion was reduced to not needing a permit as long as there was no round in the chamber. To carry loaded and ready you still need a permit.
Through my disappointment I completely missed the one good point that was left. You see, if the governor signs this then we don’t get charged charged with disturbing the peace the next time someone spots you carrying and freaks out. We have open carry here but that means little if a scared little sheep reports it. Soon that will no longer be an issue.
I’ve calmed down about it a little bit now. I’ll admit, it is a step in the right direction. However, it’s not replacement for the permit, which allows you to:
- Carry the gun fully loaded
- Carry on a UTA bus/train or into a bus station, and
- Carry on school premises
So, for any of those teachers that this might have helped, better luck next legislative session. We’re halfway there.
This is, of course, assuming that Herbert will sign it. If you haven’t done so already, call the Governor’s office and ask that he sign HB76.