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A controversial gun measure that would have removed local law enforcement's ability to cite a person openly carrying firearms with a disorderly conduct charge failed to make it for a final vote in the Senate late Thursday.
Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, instead saw his measure, HB49, get sent to an interim committee for more study — even after he wrangled an agreement from police organizations not to oppose the proposal this week. However, he was never able to get them to support it.
The measure sought to strengthen Utah's open carry gun laws by allowing an individual to pack a weapon in full view without having local ordinances interfere with that right.
"I thought parties had come to an agreement," said Senate sponsor Curt Bramble, R-Provo. "But apparently that fell apart."
Bramble said the measure will be studied by either the Judiciary Committee or the Law Enforcement Committee but, unless Gov. Gary Herbert lifts it to be put in a special session, it can't be revisited until the next general session in 2013. Bramble said he didn't foresee Herbert making such a move.
The proposal had passed a second reading in the Senate on Wednesday night by a 22-4 vote, and it had cleared the House 50-21.
David Montero