GOP lawmakers in multiple states are pushing to ease restrictions on gun owners. Fifteen states in the U.S. currently allow concealed carry with out having to obtain a permit and Republican lawmakers have now introduced the measure in nine other states.
Utah advanced a bill on Friday, which proposes any U.S. citizen aged 21 and older be allowed to carry a concealed firearm without the current fees and requirements in place. This includes bypassing a weapons course or background check.
In a move backed by the governor of Utah, state Rep. Walt Brooks (R) utilized a 2018 multi-state study, which found relaxing concealed carry laws did not lead to more violent crimes or homicides. Brooks, who put forward the bill, also added, covering one’s firearm with a jacket should not be a crime.
“When I first was brought this by some constituents, I didn’t jump right on board,” he stated. “I had my concealed weapon permit, so I spent the next couple years researching…see why, what is the purpose of the permit…what are other states doing that have concealed carry restrictions removed and the data is really clear.”