Utah drops legal minimum age for concealed carry permit to 18

By Chris Eger

Gov. Gary Herbert approved a measure that will let those 18-20 seek out a provisional concealed carry permit. (Photo: utah.gov/governor)
Republican Gov. Gary Herbert last week signed a proposal into law that will allow 18-20 year olds in Utah to apply to carry a concealed handgun.
The new law, which passed as HB 198 with broad support, establishes a provisional permit system that those at least 18 but not yet 21 can use to carry a concealed handgun. In a press conference prior to the signing, Hebert compared it to military service.
“Juxtapose that over people we put in the military to carry M16s and other weapons with the intent of defending our freedoms and killing people,” said the Governor. “If they’re old enough to do that they’re probably old enough to get some training and carry a concealed weapon.”
The measure’s sponsor crafted the legislation after she was approached by college-aged women in the state who were concerned about rape on campus.
“Our 18-20-year-old adult demographic can currently carry openly, but not on Utah’s college campuses,” said state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield. “This bill creates a concealed carry permit for this demographic so they can defend themselves on campus and off.”
Lisonbee’s bill provides that

Source: Guns.com