Almost 2,600 people have received concealed-weapons permits since new legislation went into effect May 1, nearly doubling in three months the total number of permits issued last year.
About 1,400 permits were issued last year, said K.D. Simpson, director of law enforcement and technical services for the State Department of Public Safety. In April of this year, 122 people received permits. In May, after the change went into effect, nearly 793 people received permits.Simpson said nearly 9,000 applications have been sent out this year.
Simpson also said the number of applicants for hand-gun permits has "gone through the ceiling" in the past few months.
The old law required applicants to prove their lives or the lives of family members were in danger or that they carried large sums of money for business. As of May 1, applicants for a concealed-weapons permit no longer have to show a need to carry a weapon. New law requires the state to issue permits to applicants "for lawful self-defense."
The significant jump in applications is due in part to the national debate over firearms, said Simpson. "Applications will go down when the newness wears off. But right now, guns are a focus."
Simpson estimates that 10,000 permits will be issued this year. But, he expects the number of people who come to renew their licenses in two years will be significantly lower.
"A lot of people with a concealed-weapons permit now will quit carrying in about a year," he said. "Carrying a gun is a pain."
Under HB70, passed by the State Legislature this year, applicants must pass background checks and fingerprint checks through local systems before receiving a concealed-weapons permit. Applicants must also provide letters of reference and a certificate of training from a certified instructor of firearms handling. Temporary permits are then issued until FBI checks clear, a process which takes about 60 days.
Simpson said the new law actually gives law enforcement officials more input into the process. Local police chiefs and sheriffs are notified when a person living in their jurisdiction applies to carry a concealed weapon and can recommend against giving a permit to a person with a violent or troubled history.
"When the new bill was drafted, law enforcement officials were concerned," said Simpson. "But they now have a stronger say in whether someone gets a permit."
New law also requires a special training course that teaches loading and unloading techniques, gun safety and laws concerning firearms.
"We emphasize safety, responsibility and skill level," said Gary Anderson, a course instructor at Wasatch Defense Co. "We try to stress the fact that not everything has to lead to the use of lethal force."
American Gun Review also sponsors a training course. Co-owner Shirley Spain said close to 700 people have certified through the course since May. "Quite a few people are coming in to get legal," she said, noting that before the changes in law, several customers carried a gun in a purse or car illegally.
Permits cost $35, plus a $25 fee for FBI checks. Classes cost anywhere from $35 to $50.