1     
WEAPONS RESTRICTIONS AMENDMENTS

2     
2018 GENERAL SESSION

3     
STATE OF UTAH

4     
Chief Sponsor: Norman K. Thurston

5     
Senate Sponsor: ____________

6     

7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This bill changes the requirements for using a dangerous weapon while under the
10     influence of alcohol.
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This bill:
13          ▸     eliminates the prohibition of carrying a dangerous weapon while a person's alcohol
14     concentration level exceeds the statutory limit under certain circumstances; and
15          ▸     provides an exception if a person uses a dangerous weapon in the person's residence
16     or in defense of others and the person's alcohol concentration level exceeds the
17     statutory limit.
18     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
19          None
20     Other Special Clauses:
21          None
22     Utah Code Sections Affected:
23     AMENDS:
24          76-10-523, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2014, Chapter 248
25          76-10-528, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 226
26     

27     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:

28          Section 1. Section 76-10-523 is amended to read:
29          76-10-523. Persons exempt from weapons laws.
30          (1) Except for Sections 76-10-506, 76-10-508, [and] 76-10-508.1, and 76-10-528, this
31     part and Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7, Concealed Firearm Act, do not apply to any of the
32     following:
33          (a) a United States marshal;
34          (b) a federal official required to carry a firearm;
35          (c) a peace officer of this or any other jurisdiction;
36          (d) a law enforcement official as defined and qualified under Section 53-5-711;
37          (e) a judge as defined and qualified under Section 53-5-711; or
38          (f) a common carrier while engaged in the regular and ordinary transport of firearms as
39     merchandise.
40          (2) The provisions of Subsections 76-10-504(1) and (2), and Section 76-10-505 do not
41     apply to any person to whom a permit to carry a concealed firearm has been issued:
42          (a) pursuant to Section 53-5-704; or
43          (b) by another state or county.
44          (3) Except for Sections 76-10-503, 76-10-506, 76-10-508, and 76-10-508.1, this part
45     and Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7, Concealed Firearm Act, do not apply to a nonresident traveling
46     in or though the state, provided that any firearm is:
47          (a) unloaded; and
48          (b) securely encased as defined in Section 76-10-501.
49          Section 2. Section 76-10-528 is amended to read:
50          76-10-528. Using a dangerous weapon while under influence of alcohol or drugs
51     unlawful.
52          (1) [Any person who carries] It is a class B misdemeanor for any person to use a
53     dangerous weapon while under the influence of:
54          (a) alcohol as determined by the person's blood or breath alcohol concentration in
55     accordance with Subsections 41-6a-502(1)(a) through (c); or
56          (b) a controlled substance as defined in Section 58-37-2 [is guilty of a class B
57     misdemeanor. Under the influence means the same level of influence or blood or breath
58     alcohol concentration as provided in Subsections 41-6a-502(1)(a) through(c)].

59          (2) This section does not apply to:
60          (a) a person carrying a dangerous weapon that is either securely encased or not readily
61     accessible for immediate use, as defined in this part;
62          (b) any person who uses or threatens to use force in compliance with Section 76-2-402;
63     or
64          (c) any person carrying a dangerous weapon in or on the person's residence or property,
65     a business under the person's control, or the residence of another with the consent of the
66     individual who is lawfully in possession.
67          [(2)] (3) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the person:
68          (a) is licensed in the pursuit of wildlife of any kind; or
69          (b) has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm.






Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel