Firearms instructors who train Utahns seeking concealed weapons permits could lose their teaching permits if they don't follow state curriculum under a bill approved by a House committee Wednesday.
HB166 grew out of a concern from a constituent that she was inadequately trained to receive a permit, bill sponsor Sen. David Hogue, R-Riverton, said.
"The key here is that here are certain types of instruction that have to be given," Hogue said. "People need to know what they are doing when they get that weapon."
National Rifle Association spokesman Brian Judy and the Utah Shooting Sports Council chairman Elwood Powell spoke in favor of the bill.
But the Utah Gun Violence Prevention Council said the bill should require trainers to also teach gun safety, including gun loading and unloading, properly storage and firing proficiency — an element that was deleted from the bill during the hearing.
"We don't think the minimum is enough training," GVPC executive director Marla Kennedy said.
The House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee unanimously advanced the bill to the House floor for debate.