Senate passes bill declaring state will not enforce certain federal firearm regulations

The Utah Senate approved Second Substitute House Bill 219, a bill the sponsor described as declaring that the state and its political subdivisions will not enforce certain federal firearm regulations that purport to restrict specific firearms, ammunition or accessories.

Senator Vickers, the sponsor, described the measure as largely a message bill intended to protect individual rights under the Second Amendment while saying the sponsors sought language that would not impede federal–local law-enforcement partnerships. "The intent is to protect and preserve an individual's right to keep and bear arms guaranteed by the Second Amendment," he said on the floor.

Senator Bluhin expressed opposition on local-control grounds, saying what is appropriate for municipalities along the Wasatch Front may differ from rural communities; he said he would vote no. During the roll call, Senator Bramble explained his "aye" vote by referencing the Utah Constitution and legislative authority over Second Amendment policy: "The Utah constitution gives this body the sole and exclusive authority to set Second Amendment policy," he said.

The chamber recorded a roll call of 20 yeas, 6 nays, 3 absent, and the bill passes and will be returned to the House for the Speaker's signature.

Provenance: discussion and sponsor presentation start at SEG 220 and the roll-call result appears at SEG 310–314.