S.B. 78 Enrolled

1

PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONALLY
2 GUARANTEED ACTIVITIES IN CERTAIN
3 PRIVATE VENUES
4 2009 GENERAL SESSION
5 STATE OF UTAH
6 Chief Sponsor: Mark B. Madsen
7 House Sponsor: Curtis Oda
8 Cosponsors:
9 Curtis S. Bramble
10 D. Chris Buttars
11 Allen M. Christensen
12 Margaret Dayton
13 Jon J. Greiner
14 David P. HinkinsScott K. Jenkins
Sheldon L. Killpack
Peter C. Knudson
Daniel R. Liljenquist
Wayne L. Niederhauser
Ralph OkerlundHoward A. Stephenson
Dennis E. Stowell
Stephen H. Urquhart
John L. Valentine
Kevin T. Van Tassell
Michael G. Waddoups 15
16 LONG TITLE
17 General Description:
18 This bill modifies Title 34, Labor in General, by enacting Title 34, Chapter 45,
19 Protection of Activities in Private Vehicles.
20 Highlighted Provisions:
21 This bill:
22 . provides definitions;
23 . prohibits certain persons from creating or enforcing a policy that prohibits the
24 storage of firearms in a motor vehicle parked on property owned, leased, or
25 otherwise controlled by the person if:
26 . the individual storing the firearm is legally entitled to possess and transport the
27 firearm;
28 . the vehicle is locked, or the firearm is in a locked container; and
29 . the firearm is not in plain view;
30 . provides exceptions for persons with secured lots under certain circumstances;

31 . prohibits certain persons from creating or enforcing a policy that prohibits the
32 display or possession of items in or on a vehicle parked on property owned, leased,
33 or otherwise controlled by the person if the policy results in a substantial burden on
34 the free exercise of religion;
35 . provides protections from civil liability in relation to occurrences that result from,
36 are connected with, or are incidental to the use of a firearm that is properly stored
37 or transported in a motor vehicle in association with this chapter;
38 . permits an individual to bring a civil action to enforce the requirements of this
39 chapter;
40 . permits a court to grant injunctive relief, declaratory relief, damages, costs, and
41 attorney fees in association with a suit brought to enforce the requirements of this
42 chapter;
43 . provides exceptions;
44 . permits the attorney general to bring an action to enforce the chapter and to request
45 damages on behalf of any individual that has suffered loss due to a violation of this
46 chapter;
47 . makes certain documents filed with the attorney general private records; and
48 . makes technical changes.
49 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
50 None
51 Other Special Clauses:
52 None
53 Utah Code Sections Affected:
54 AMENDS:
55 63G-2-302, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 91 and renumbered and
56 amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
57 ENACTS:
58 34-45-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953

59 34-45-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
60 34-45-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
61 34-45-104, Utah Code Annotated 1953
62 34-45-105, Utah Code Annotated 1953
63 34-45-106, Utah Code Annotated 1953
64 34-45-107, Utah Code Annotated 1953
65
66 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
67 Section 1. Section 34-45-101 is enacted to read:
68 CHAPTER 45. PROTECTION OF ACTIVITIES IN PRIVATE VEHICLES
69 34-45-101. Title.
70 This chapter is known as "Protection of Activities in Private Vehicles."
71 Section 2. Section 34-45-102 is enacted to read:
72 34-45-102. Definitions.
73 As used in this chapter:
74 (1) "Firearm" has the same meaning as provided in Section 76-10-501 .
75 (2) "Motor vehicle" has the same meaning as provided in Section 41-1a-102 .
76 (3) "Person" means an individual, property owner, landlord, tenant, employer,
77 business entity, or other legal entity.
78 Section 3. Section 34-45-103 is enacted to read:
79 34-45-103. Protection of certain activities -- Firearms -- Free exercise of religion.
80 (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a person may not establish, maintain, or
81 enforce any policy or rule that has the effect of:
82 (a) prohibiting any individual from transporting or storing a firearm in a motor vehicle
83 on any property designated for motor vehicle parking, if:
84 (i) the individual is legally permitted to transport, possess, purchase, receive, transfer,
85 or store the firearm;
86 (ii) the firearm is locked securely in the motor vehicle or in a locked container

87 attached to the motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is not occupied; and
88 (iii) the firearm is not in plain view from the outside of the motor vehicle; or
89 (b) prohibiting any individual from possessing any item in or on a motor vehicle on
90 any property designated for motor vehicle parking, if the effect of the policy or rule constitutes
91 a substantial burden on that individual's free exercise of religion.
92 (2) A person may establish, maintain, or enforce a policy or rule that has the effect of
93 placing limitations on or prohibiting an individual from transporting or storing a firearm in a
94 motor vehicle on property the person has designated for motor vehicle parking if:
95 (a) the person provides, or there is otherwise available, one of the following, in a
96 location reasonably proximate to the property the person has designated for motor vehicle
97 parking:
98 (i) alternative parking for individuals who desire to transport, possess, receive,
99 transfer, or store a firearm in the individual's motor vehicle at no additional cost to the
100 individual; or
101 (ii) a secured and monitored storage location where the individual may securely store a
102 firearm before proceeding with the vehicle into the secured parking area; or
103 (b) the person complies with Subsection 34-45-107 (5).
104 Section 4. Section 34-45-104 is enacted to read:
105 34-45-104. Protection from liability.
106 A person that owns or controls a parking area that is subject to this chapter and that
107 complies with the requirements of Section 34-45-103 is not liable in any civil action for any
108 occurrence resulting from, connected with, or incidental to the use of a firearm, by any person,
109 unless the use of the firearm involves a criminal act by the person who owns or controls the
110 parking area.
111 Section 5. Section 34-45-105 is enacted to read:
112 34-45-105. Cause of action for noncompliance -- Remedies.
113 (1) An individual who is injured, physically or otherwise, as a result of any policy or
114 rule prohibited by Section 34-45-103 , may bring a civil action in a court of competent

115 jurisdiction against any person that violates the provisions of Section 34-45-103 .
116 (2) Any individual who asserts a claim under this section is entitled to request:
117 (a) declaratory relief;
118 (b) temporary or permanent injunctive relief to prevent the threatened or continued
119 violation;
120 (c) recovery for actual damages sustained; and
121 (d) punitive damages, if:
122 (i) serious bodily injury or death occurs as a result of the violation of Section
123 34-45-103 ; or
124 (ii) the person who violates Section 34-45-103 has previously been notified by the
125 attorney general that a policy or rule violates Section 34-45-103 .
126 (3) The prevailing party in an action brought under this chapter may recover its court
127 costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred.
128 (4) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed or held to affect any rights or claims
129 made in relation to Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act.
130 Section 6. Section 34-45-106 is enacted to read:
131 34-45-106. Enforcement by attorney general.
132 (1) The attorney general may bring an action to enforce this chapter and may request
133 any relief that is provided for under Section 34-45-105 , including a request for damages on
134 behalf of any individual suffering loss because of a violation of this chapter.
135 (2) Upon entry of final judgment for a cause of action brought under this section, the
136 court may award restitution, when appropriate, to any individual suffering loss because of a
137 violation of this chapter if proof of loss is submitted to the satisfaction of the court.
138 Section 7. Section 34-45-107 is enacted to read:
139 34-45-107. Exemptions -- Limitations on chapter -- School premises --
140 Government entities -- Religious organizations -- Single family detached residential
141 units.
142 (1) (a) School premises, as defined in Subsection 76-3-203.2 (1), are exempt from the

143 provisions of this chapter.
144 (b) Possession of a firearm on or about school premises is subject to the provisions of
145 Section 76-10-505.5 .
146 (2) Government entities, including a local authority or state entity, are subject to the
147 requirements of Title 53, Chapter 5a, Firearm Laws, but are otherwise exempt from the
148 provisions of this chapter.
149 (3) Religious organizations, including religious organizations acting as an employer,
150 are exempt from, and are not subject to the provisions of this chapter.
151 (4) Owner-occupied single family detached residential units and tenant-occupied
152 single family detached residential units are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
153 (5) A person who is subject to federal law that specifically forbids the presence of a
154 firearm from property designated for motor vehicle parking, or a person who is subject to
155 Section 550 of the United States Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of
156 2007, Pub. L. No. 109-295 or regulations enacted in accordance with that section, is exempt
157 from Section 34-45-103 if:
158 (a) providing alternative parking or a storage location under Subsection
159 34-45-103 (2)(a) would pose an undue burden on the person; and
160 (b) the person files a statement with the attorney general citing the federal law that
161 forbids the presence of a firearm and detailing the reasons why providing alternative parking
162 or a storage location poses an undue burden.
163 (6) A person who is subject to Section 550 of the United States Department of
164 Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Pub. L. No. 109-295 or regulations enacted in
165 accordance with that section is exempt from this chapter if:
166 (a) the person has attempted to provide alternative parking or a storage location in
167 accordance with Subsection 34-45-103 (2)(a);
168 (b) the secretary of the federal Department of Homeland Security notifies the person
169 that the provision of alternative parking or a storage location causes the person to be out of
170 compliance with Section 550 of the United States Department of Homeland Security

171 Appropriations Act of 2007, Pub. L. No. 109-295 or regulations enacted in accordance with
172 that section and the person may be subject to punitive measures; and
173 (c) the person files a detailed statement with the attorney general notifying the attorney
174 general of the facts under Subsections (6)(a) and (b).
175 Section 8. Section 63G-2-302 is amended to read:
176 63G-2-302. Private records.
177 (1) The following records are private:
178 (a) records concerning an individual's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits,
179 social services, welfare benefits, or the determination of benefit levels;
180 (b) records containing data on individuals describing medical history, diagnosis,
181 condition, treatment, evaluation, or similar medical data;
182 (c) records of publicly funded libraries that when examined alone or with other records
183 identify a patron;
184 (d) records received or generated for a Senate or House Ethics Committee concerning
185 any alleged violation of the rules on legislative ethics, prior to the meeting, and after the
186 meeting, if the ethics committee meeting was closed to the public;
187 (e) records received or generated for a Senate confirmation committee concerning
188 character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual:
189 (i) if prior to the meeting, the chair of the committee determines release of the records:
190 (A) reasonably could be expected to interfere with the investigation undertaken by the
191 committee; or
192 (B) would create a danger of depriving a person of a right to a fair proceeding or
193 impartial hearing; and
194 (ii) after the meeting, if the meeting was closed to the public;
195 (f) employment records concerning a current or former employee of, or applicant for
196 employment with, a governmental entity that would disclose that individual's home address,
197 home telephone number, Social Security number, insurance coverage, marital status, or payroll
198 deductions;

199 (g) records or parts of records under Section 63G-2-303 that a current or former
200 employee identifies as private according to the requirements of that section;
201 (h) that part of a record indicating a person's Social Security number or federal
202 employer identification number if provided under Section 31A-23a-104 , 31A-25-202 ,
203 31A-26-202 , 58-1-301 , 61-1-4 , or 61-2-6 ;
204 (i) that part of a voter registration record identifying a voter's driver license or
205 identification card number, Social Security number, or last four digits of the Social Security
206 number;
207 (j) a record that:
208 (i) contains information about an individual;
209 (ii) is voluntarily provided by the individual; and
210 (iii) goes into an electronic database that:
211 (A) is designated by and administered under the authority of the Chief Information
212 Officer; and
213 (B) acts as a repository of information about the individual that can be electronically
214 retrieved and used to facilitate the individual's online interaction with a state agency;
215 (k) information provided to the Commissioner of Insurance under:
216 (i) Subsection 31A-23a-115 (2)(a); or
217 (ii) Subsection 31A-23a-302 (3); [and]
218 (l) information obtained through a criminal background check under Title 11, Chapter
219 40, Criminal Background Checks by Political Subdivisions Operating Water Systems[.]; and
220 (m) a statement and any supporting documentation filed with the attorney general in
221 accordance with Section 34-45-107 , if the federal law or action supporting the filing involves
222 homeland security.
223 (2) The following records are private if properly classified by a governmental entity:
224 (a) records concerning a current or former employee of, or applicant for employment
225 with a governmental entity, including performance evaluations and personal status information
226 such as race, religion, or disabilities, but not including records that are public under

227 Subsection 63G-2-301 (2)(b) or 63G-2-301 (3)(o), or private under Subsection (1)(b);
228 (b) records describing an individual's finances, except that the following are public:
229 (i) records described in Subsection 63G-2-301 (2);
230 (ii) information provided to the governmental entity for the purpose of complying with
231 a financial assurance requirement; or
232 (iii) records that must be disclosed in accordance with another statute;
233 (c) records of independent state agencies if the disclosure of those records would
234 conflict with the fiduciary obligations of the agency;
235 (d) other records containing data on individuals the disclosure of which constitutes a
236 clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
237 (e) records provided by the United States or by a government entity outside the state
238 that are given with the requirement that the records be managed as private records, if the
239 providing entity states in writing that the record would not be subject to public disclosure if
240 retained by it; and
241 (f) any portion of a record in the custody of the Division of Aging and Adult Services,
242 created in Section 62A-3-102 , that may disclose, or lead to the discovery of, the identity of a
243 person who made a report of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
244 (3) (a) As used in this Subsection (3), "medical records" means medical reports,
245 records, statements, history, diagnosis, condition, treatment, and evaluation.
246 (b) Medical records in the possession of the University of Utah Hospital, its clinics,
247 doctors, or affiliated entities are not private records or controlled records under Section
248 63G-2-304 when the records are sought:
249 (i) in connection with any legal or administrative proceeding in which the patient's
250 physical, mental, or emotional condition is an element of any claim or defense; or
251 (ii) after a patient's death, in any legal or administrative proceeding in which any party
252 relies upon the condition as an element of the claim or defense.
253 (c) Medical records are subject to production in a legal or administrative proceeding
254 according to state or federal statutes or rules of procedure and evidence as if the medical

255 records were in the possession of a nongovernmental medical care provider.