SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Senate is one step closer to approving a bill that would make concealed weapon permits unnecessary.
Republican Senator Allen Christensen, the bill’s sponsor, pitched his case on Tuesday and received overwhelming support from those in his party. However, a few of his Republican colleagues criticized the bill. The biggest complaint from them was their belief that people need the training the current permit process requires.
Christensen said people shouldn’t fear guns.
“People are afraid of guns naturally, but people who are used to carrying them are not afraid of them. They respect them,” he said.
Democratic Senator Luz Robles said, “Most Utahns agree that we should all be protective of our Second Amendment rights, but there’s also limitations to that.”
The Senate voted to move the bill to a final debate, which will be held Wednesday. If the Senate passes it then it will go to Gov. Gary Herbert—who has been asked by activists to veto the bill.
