While gun rights advocates believe they have a good chance to bringing “permitless concealed carry” to Utah this legislative session, GOP Gov. Gary Herbert didn’t sound persuaded Thursday.
Speaking much as he has over the past two years, Herbert told members of the press that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – concerning Rep. Lee Perry’s bill that would allow adults to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
Currently, qualifying adults (and that is by far most Utahns) must have a permit to carry a handgun concealed – under a coat, in a large pocket, and such.
Utah allows open carrying of handguns, shotguns and long rifles. And you may carry a concealed weapon in your home, on your property or in your vehicle.
Several years ago Herbert vetoed such a permitless concealed carry bill that passed both the House and Senate.
And he has on occasion discouraged such bills from being passed since, saying he would just veto them again.
Perry is trying a different approach this year – in one bill marrying the permitless CC with tougher restrictions on people convicted of domestic violence having access to guns.
“I have talked to Rep. Perry, finally,” said Herbert – indicating he was a bit displeased that Perry hadn’t earlier walked down a floor in the Capitol to talk to him about HB237.
Herbert knew the bill is in a House committee for a hearing, so he has clearly been briefed on it and is paying attention.
But Herbert repeated that “all the polls” he’s seen show “the vast majority of Utahns” opposed to permitless CC.
“Our concealed carry laws work very well,” the governor said.
Still, he didn’t directly threaten to veto it. He said should it pass he will carefully review it.
“You have to show a compelling reason to change.”
If it comes to his desk in the same form as two years ago, “I’ll veto it again.”
The Legislature didn’t attempt to override Herbert’s veto in the past, and it is questionable whether HB237 would have two-thirds support in this Legislature for a veto override.
