First Substitute H.B. 266

Representative Matt Throckmorton proposes to substitute the following bill:

1 RESTORATION OF RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
2 2001 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Sponsor: Matt Throckmorton
5 This act modifies provisions relating to firearms. The act provides a procedure for a person
6 restricted from possessing or purchasing a firearm to apply for relief from restrictions. The
7 act provides that this section is not effective until Congress adopts and funds a similar
8 procedure.
9 This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
10 ENACTS:
11 76-10-503.5, Utah Code Annotated 1953
12 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
13 Section 1. Section 76-10-503.5 is enacted to read:
14 76-10-503.5. Relief from restrictions -- Petition -- Costs -- Notice.
15 (1) A person that is restricted from possessing, purchasing, transferring, or owning a
16 firearm under Subsection 76-10-503 (1)(b)(v), (vi), or (vii), may file a petition with the district
17 court in the district in which he resides for relief from the restrictions imposed under Section
18 76-10-503 .
19 (2) (a) The court shall fix a time and place for hearing the petition.
20 (b) The court may require that 15 days notice of the hearing be given to:
21 (i) the county or district attorney in the district in which the petition is filed; and
22 (ii) any person that may be affected by the judgment.
23 (c) Any person that receives notice under Subsection (2)(b) may appear and testify at the
24 proceeding.
25 (3) In order for the district court to grant relief from restrictions to the petitioner, petitioner

26 must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that:
27 (a) petitioner is competent to have the right to possess, purchase, transfer, or own a firearm
28 restored; and
29 (b) granting petitioner relief from the restrictions imposed under Section 76-10-503 does
30 not present a danger to public safety.
31 (4) The petitioner shall pay:
32 (a) a filing fee in accordance with Subsection 21-1-5 (1)(a); and
33 (b) the cost of any mental examinations.
34 (5) (a) This section is not effective until Congress approves and funds a procedure for
35 relief from restrictions imposed under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, Sec. 922, similar to Subsections (1)
36 and (3).
37 (b) The commissioner of the Department of Public Safety shall annually monitor and
38 report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Office
39 of Legislative Research and General Counsel when the conditions of Subsection (5)(a) have been
40 met.