It seems to me that the Utah Legislature is determined to encourage irresponsible gun ownership, despite the fact that most Utahns, (including most gun owners) would like to see a return to responsible gun ownership.
HB228 (Airport Weapon Possession Amendment) is a perfect example. The Salt Lake City airport has been in the top 10 airports in the nation for gun confiscation since 2019. Nationwide, over three-quarters of the guns recovered by TSA are loaded and over a third have rounds in the chamber. In order to discourage this careless (and perhaps, would-be terrorist) behavior, fines (and potential confiscation of the guns) have been implemented. Now the Utah Legislature is pushing back on these consequences.
Let’s not forget that TSA was created in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that occurred in airports in 2001. Since that time, and despite the inconvenience of having to remove shoes, take off coats, pull out laptops, and, yes, store your firearms in your checked luggage, we have not had additional terrorist attacks through our airports.
It seems very poor judgment to be loosening these regulations now, especially as Salt Lake City prepares to entertain the world again at an upcoming winter Olympics.
Nancy Halden, Holladay
