Utah H.B. 357 Substitute Firearms Amendments (Sandstrom, S.) Signed into Law

Utah’s H.B. 357 Substitute Firearms Amendments (Sandstrom, S.) was signed by the Governor yesterday, 03/30/2009.

This bill modifies provisions of the Utah Criminal Code related to firearms. It

• modifies the criminal penalties exception provisions related to carrying a concealed firearm to apply to a vehicle in a person's lawful possession and to a vehicle in the lawful possession of another, with the consent of that person;
• allows a person to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle in the person's lawful possession or in a vehicle with the consent of the person lawfully in possession of the vehicle;
• allows for the possession of a loaded firearm on a person's real property; and
• makes certain technical changes.

In plain English, this bill says that after the effective date you can carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in a vehicle that you are driving, or in a vehicle with the consent of the person driving it, or on your “real property” (which is legal speak for your “land”).

You’ve always been able to do this in your home (or temporary residence, or camp), but now you can in your home, in your yard, at your office (if you own it), in your parking lot at work (if you own it), and in your vehicle.

Of course, I am not a lawyer, so before you trust my interpretation of the law, contact Representative Stephen Sandstrom or your gun-law attorney.