Utah Governor Hits Pause Button On 2A Sanctuary Bill bearingarms.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bearingarms.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
| Updated: 8:36 p.m.
Lawmakers will meet Wednesday in special session, primarily so they can accept more than $1.5 billion in federal coronavirus relief money.
But a gun rights issue may sneak onto the agenda.
Legislative sources tell The Tribune that there is significant lobbying to persuade Gov. Spencer Cox to include a bill declaring Utah a “Second Amendment sanctuary” on the agenda for next week.
The idea would allow the state to ignore new federal laws or regulations on firearms that lawmakers believe violate the Second Amendment, which affords people the right to bear arms. It could extend to judicial rulings or executive actions by the White House.
Utah lawmakers are considering a similar move as early as next year.
A bill introduced by Republicans in Ohio would declare any federal law, executive order, or court ruling to be ânull and voidâ if it infringes on gun rights.
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A similar law in Texas declares the state a âSecond Amendment sanctuary,â blocking state agencies and local governments from enforcing new federal gun rules.
Rep. Cory Maloy, R-Lehi, tried to pass a law similar to the Texas bill during the 2021 Utah Legislature. He was unsuccessful, but lawmakers will study the issue during summer legislative meetings this year, with an eye on the 2022 lesgislative session that starts in January.
Can Utah ignore federal laws that restrict gun rights? Lawmakers are asking
Rep. Cory Maloy worked on legislation during the 2021 session but was scuttled as bill to remove permits for concealed carry passed
(Rick Bowmer | AP) Republican Rep. Cory Maloy wants lawmakers to discuss whether the state can ignore any new federal gun restrictions.
| April 20, 2021, 11:30 a.m.
At least two states are considering legislation that would allow lawmakers to ignore federal laws or judicial rulings they feel violate the Second Amendment, which gives people the right to bear arms.
Utah lawmakers are considering a similar move as early as next year.
Biden’s call for ‘red flag’ laws falls on deaf ears in the Utah Legislature
‘There’s absolutely no appetite for this kind of law’ says one Republican who has repeatedly tried to pass such legislation
(Evan Vucci | AP file photo) President Joe Biden is shown speaking during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in this March 25, 2021, file photo.
| April 8, 2021, 10:02 p.m.
President Joe Biden’s call for states to pass so-called “red flag” laws to allow police officers and family members to ask a judge to temporarily remove firearms from people who may be a danger to themselves and others won’t find a receptive audience in Utah.