Proposed bill would lower age to openly carry firearms

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah lawmaker proposes allowing people as young as 18 to open carry in public. 

Under current state law, people 18 and up can conceal carry a firearm with a permit. However, you have to be 21 to open carry in public.

A bill sponsored by House Majority Whip Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, would allow people aged 18-20 to do the same.

The proposal got a mixed bag of public comments in its first legislative committee hearing.

“In the summer, it’s a little bit warm in the state of Utah. You shouldn’t have to wear a jacket just to be able to protect your Second Amendment rights,” said former state Rep. Tim Jimenez.

However, pediatric trauma physician assistant Chance Basinger voiced concern. He said an 18-year-old’s brain is not fully developed.

“[This bill] introduces an unacceptable level of risk not just to themselves, but to everyone in their communities.”

Lawmakers voted to pass the bill but it still has several hurdles to clear to become law. 

Related reading:

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• Firearm safety instruction would be required in public schools under new bill
• Utah lawmakers to debate immigration, tax cuts, transgender students as 2025 session starts

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