Effective 5/6/2026
76-11-205 Carrying a dangerous weapon at an elementary school or secondary school.
(1)
(a)As used in this section, “on or about school premises” means:
(i)in a public or private elementary school or secondary school; or
(ii)on the grounds of a private elementary school or secondary school.
(b)Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5, 76-11-101, and 76-11-201 apply to this section.
(2)An actor commits carrying a dangerous weapon at an elementary school or secondary school if the actor:
(a)is not an individual listed in Subsection (4);
(b)carries a dangerous weapon on or about school premises; and
(c)knows or reasonably believes that the actor is on or about school premises at the time the actor carries the dangerous weapon.
(3)
(a)A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor if the dangerous weapon carried by the actor is not a firearm.
(b)A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor if the dangerous weapon carried by the actor is a firearm.
(4)This section does not apply if:
(a)the actor is an individual exempt from certain weapons laws as described in Section 53-5a-108;
(b)the actor is 21 years old or older and has a concealed carry permit as described in Section 53-5a-303 and is carrying the actor’s dangerous weapon in a concealed manner unless lawfully responding to an active threat in accordance with Section 76-2-402, 76-2-405, or 76-2-407;
(c)the actor is 21 years old or older and has a temporary concealed carry permit issued under Section 53-5a-305 and is carrying the actor’s dangerous weapon in a concealed manner unless lawfully responding to an active threat in accordance with Section 76-2-402, 76-2-405, or 76-2-407;
(d)the actor is carrying the dangerous weapon at the actor’s place of residence or on the actor’s real property;
(e)the possession of the dangerous weapon is approved by the responsible school administrator;
(f)the dangerous weapon is present or to be used in connection with a lawful, approved activity and is in the possession or under the control of the actor responsible for the dangerous weapon’s possession or use;
(g)the actor is an armed school security guard as described in Section 53G-8-704; or
(h)the actor is carrying the dangerous weapon in a vehicle lawfully under the actor’s control, not including a vehicle owned by the school or used by the school to transport students.
(5)This section does not:
(a)prohibit prosecution of another criminal offense that may occur on or about school premises; or
(b)prevent an actor from securely storing a firearm on the grounds of a school if the actor:
(i)participates in:
(A)the school guardian program created in Section 53-22-105; or
(B)the Educator-Protector Program created in Section 53-22-107; and
(ii)complies with the requirements for securely storing the firearm described in Subsection 53-22-107(5)(a).

Amended by Chapter 171, 2026 General Session