The so-called ‘constitutional carry’ gun bill that allows weapons to be concealed without a permit passed the House Friday after being changed so a round can no longer be in the chamber.
HB76 was approved 51-18 and now goes to the Senate.
The change was made by the bill’s sponsor, Rep. John Mathis, R-Vernal. The bill had been put on hold by the House earlier this week so Mathis could meet with Gov. Gary Herbert, who has raised concerns about the bill.
Mathis said the bill allows someone openly carrying a gun without a concealed weapons permit to cover it with a coat or other attire. He said he proposed the bill initially because a hunter was “harassed quite heavily” by authorities for putting on a raincoat while carrying a gun.
Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, said he supported the change in the bill because it “gives a little more comfort to people.”
