January was a historic month for new gun ownership across America. For Utah, though, February has been even better.
Beginning on May 5th, a new Utah law, HB60 will take effect to make Utah the 17th Constitutional Carry State in the American union. This means you do not need a permit or license to carry a hand gun.
According to Ammoland.com:
House Bill 60, sponsored by Representative Walt Brooks (R-75), allows a law-abiding adult to carry a concealed firearm in the State of Utah, without first needing to obtain government permission. This ensures that citizens have their right to self-defense without government red tape or delays. Additionally, this legislation maintains the existing Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) system, so citizens who still wish to obtain a permit may do so.
It exemplifies a long-term change in sentiment by several states. Before 2010, only 2 Constitutional Carry states existed. Something about the political and corporate classes of America (and the world) have shifted dramatically to the left, and gun owner’s know it. So, more and more reasonable states are drafting similar legislations to protect the second amendment in perpetuity.
On February 12, 2021, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed Constitutional Carry bill HB 60. With Cox’s signature, Utah became the 17th Constitutional Carry state in the nation.
The bill will enshrine the state’s right to always keep and own a hand gun as well as concealed carry:
Constitutional Carry is the concept that any lawful individual can carry a firearm without a permit. The bill was sponsored by Utah Representative Walt Brooks and specified that individuals who carry concealed weapons must be over 21 and legally able to own firearms in order to exercise the right to Constitutional Carry.
“We need to get back to trusting law-abiding citizens, and get rid of these regulations that are not doing any good,” Brooks said previously on 2News.
Utah is already well-known for its fairly conservative views on guns, so this should not surprise anyone. However, it is very important to note its rank among the other 49:
“The passage of this bill will strengthen Utah’s already solid gun laws. According to Guns and Ammo magazine’s recent rankings on gun-friendly states, Utah is ranked in 8th place.”
Montana is expected to enact similar legislation very soon to become the 18th constitutional carry state.
There is a clear positive trend toward constitutionalism on this issue. Right-wingers should make it a goal to pass Constitutional Carry in every red state in America by 2020.
