LOCAL NEWS

Utah Lawmaker Considers Revamping Firearm Safety Bill

Jul 19, 2021, 1:59 PM

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill addressing gun safety in schools failed to pass in the last legislative session, but the bill’s sponsor is thinking about bringing it back in light of the recent shooting death of a West Jordan teen.

Rep. Rex Shipp, R-Cedar City, said he was saddened by the news of this latest shooting, and educating teens about firearm safety — like what his bill intended to do — could save lives.

“I’m assuming these teenagers did not have proper training on how to handle safely a firearm,” he said.

West Jordan police calling a deadly shooting of a 13-year-old boy by his 15-year old friend a “tragic incident.”

One Juvenile Dead, One In Custody After ‘Tragic’ West Jordan Incident

It’s led to a renewed interest from Shipp to bring back HB258 in the upcoming legislative session.

The bill would have created a pilot program where some school districts could have offered firearm safety to students in ninth through 12th grade as an elective.

Students could only use replica, non-operating firearms at school.

“It could have prevented something like what happened. Can’t say for sure,” said Shipp.

The bill passed a House committee and made it to the house floor. But there was pushback.

“The Senate committee voted it down,” said Shipp.

The Utah Educators Association said the courses could be taught through an outdoor recreation program, rather than in schools.

But Shipp worried there wouldn’t be enough funding and the curriculum wouldn’t focus exclusively on the safe handling of firearms.

“Especially in light of what’s happened here, I think maybe I need to rethink, make a few tweaks to the bill,” he said.

Until then, he shared this message: “I’d just like to say to parents that if you have firearms in your home, you need to make sure that they are locked up in a gun safe to keep them safe,” Shipp said.

Another criticism about this bill — the timing.

Some argued that introducing a new program during a pandemic would put more stress on educators.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Hollywood sign in Los Angeles...

Michael Camit, KSLNewsRadio

After 30 years, Slamdance film festival will move to Los Angeles

The Slamdance Film Festival, which featured early work by many legendary filmmakers, is moving from its long-time home of Park City to LA.

49 minutes ago

Ongoing tests of dairy products by the US Food and Drug Administration have not found any active H5...

Brenda Goodman, CNN

Continued FDA testing finds no active bird flu virus in variety of dairy products

Ongoing testing of milk and dairy products by the US Food and Drug Administration has not found any active H5N1 bird flu virus in 297 samples of products purchased in grocery stores, the agency said Wednesday.

3 hours ago

A southern Utah man was charged with DUI and causing a crash taht killed two children i the car, ev...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Magna man charged with kidnapping, beating woman for 3 days

A Magna man was charged Tuesday with nearly a dozen felonies accusing him of holding his girlfriend captive for three days, sexually and physically assaulting her during that time and threatening to harm her family.

4 hours ago

A Payson police vehicle is pictured on Monday, March 22, 2021. Payson police are investigating seri...

Josh Ellis

Payson police, Nebo School District address threats against Mt. Nebo Middle School

The Nebo School District and Payson Police Department will address recent threats against Mt. Nebo Middle School that have disrupted classes three times over the last two weeks.

4 hours ago

(KSL TV)...

Casey Scott

Casey Scott gives away gas cards and bro hugs despite pulled calf muscle

SALT LAKE CITY — Casey Scott was handing out $50 gas cards and bro hugs — with a side of limp after pulling a calf muscle yesterday — to some lucky Utahns on Wednesday!

4 hours ago

A sign at the Center Pointe TRAX Station along the blue TRAX line in South Salt Lake on Aug. 1, 202...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Several TRAX projects planned for 2024. Here’s how they will impact service

UTA officials released the schedule for TRAX service maintenance projects that will exist over its service area between May and October, which may cause some delays.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Side view at diverse group of children sitting in row at school classroom and using laptops...

PC Laptops

5 Internet Safety Tips for Kids

Read these tips about internet safety for kids so that your children can use this tool for learning and discovery in positive ways.

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Utah Lawmaker Considers Revamping Firearm Safety Bill