HB0098 | Firearm Access Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill requires that a firearm is secured and provides penalties.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill requires that a firearm is securely stored or rendered inoperable by a locking device; and sets civil penalties for violations.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0098

Year:

2024

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 01, 2024

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Firearms stand as the primary cause of mortality among American children and teens, causing injuries to thousands annually. It is crucial to acknowledge that ensuring secure storage is an adult responsibility, playing a vital role in preventing unauthorized and unsupervised access to firearms by children.

Impact on Children:

The bill mandates secure storage or disabling of firearms when not in use, and introduces civil penalties for non-compliance. This will increase safety for our children and communities.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

National PTA Resolution on Safe Storage of Firearms

Resolved, That National PTA urges its constituent associations to encourage state governments to enact laws which require owners to store firearms, whether they are loaded or unloaded, in a securely locked container, to prevent access by children under the age of 18.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Support sensible solutions to gun violence, including promoting the safe and secure storage of firearms, strengthening the federal background check system, investing in evidence-based community violence interventions and addressing youth access to firearms, especially assault or military-style weapons.