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Utah’s legislature, with a strong Republican majority, saw mostly pro-Second Amendment or rights-expanding firearms bills advance, consistent with the state’s constitutional carry status (permitless open and concealed carry for eligible adults). No major new gun control restrictions were enacted. Key Second Amendment/firearms-related bills included:
– HB84: Dangerous Weapon Amendments (Chief Sponsor: Rep. Walt Brooks, R)
This bill clarified and modified carry rules, particularly on campuses. It banned open carry of dangerous weapons (including firearms) at institutions of higher education unless responding to an active threat, while easing concealed carry by removing permit requirements for concealed carry on public college campuses (aligning more with statewide constitutional carry). It also addressed carry clarifications for ages 18-20 (e.g., open carry of unloaded firearms in certain public locations) and on school grounds. References to the Second Amendment and Utah Constitution Article I, Section 6 were included to affirm rights protections.
Status: Passed both chambers, enrolled, and sent to the Governor (final approval March 2026). Effective May 6, 2026.
– HB214: Firearms Liability Amendments (Chief Sponsor: Rep. Jordan D. Teuscher, R)
Strengthened liability protections for firearm manufacturers, distributors, sellers, and trade associations against lawsuits for criminal misuse of lawful products. It also preempted local governments from imposing ordinances that could enable such litigation.
Status: Passed the Legislature and advanced (pro-gun measure highlighted by NRA-ILA).
– HB314: Firearm Purchase Amendments (Note: Sources refer to it as HB314 or sometimes SB314 in summaries, but linked as HB314)
Streamlined firearm purchases by eliminating a duplicative state-specific form required for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), reducing administrative burdens while maintaining Utah’s background check system (no new restrictions added).
Status: Passed the Legislature (pro-gun reform).
– HB80: Firearm Storage Requirements (Chief Sponsor: Rep. Andrew Stoddard, likely D-leaning based on context)
Proposed requirements for secure firearm storage to prevent access by minors, with penalties if a minor unlawfully accesses a firearm.
Status: Introduced but appears to have stalled or failed to advance (consistent with reports of anti-gun bills defeated).
– HB166: Open Carry of a Firearm Amendments (Chief Sponsor: Rep. Verona Mauga, D)
Sought to prohibit open carry at large public gatherings and clarify related rules.
Status: Struck enacting clause and filed (effectively killed) on March 6, 2026.
– HB101: Firearm Background Check Amendments (or similar, referenced in hearings)
Addressed avoiding duplicate background checks in purchases.
Status: Advanced/passed in some form (part of pro-gun streamlining).
Other Mentions
HB83 (Imitation Firearm Amendments, addressing look-alike guns/possession by juveniles) and potential bills on concealed carry in taxpayer-funded venues (e.g., public arenas), but most restrictive proposals (like expanded restrictions or storage mandates) did not pass. Pro-gun groups reported a successful session with all anti-gun bills defeated and several pro-gun measures enacted.
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