Utah Campus Gun Bill Falls Short on Compromise
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah state legislature has passed a bill that does not restrict the carrying of concealed weapons on state college and university campuses.
A dispute began between lawmakers and universities/colleges when a 2004 state law prohibited public colleges from restricting licensed concealed firearms on campus. The measure overturned previous provisions, such as the University of Utah’s 30-year-old gun ban, and incited university officials to fight it. As reported in a previous CS item, the compromise had been struck by university officials as their best opportunity to ensure campus safety.
Instead of restricting licensed concealed weapon possession in faculty offices, as was compromised upon by state lawmakers and university/college officials, the bill only allows for students to opt not to live with a permit holder. Public college officials say they may resume their pursuit of an amendment to the law in another legislative session.
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