Utah law would reinforce right to openly carry gun

JOSH LOFTIN
Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Carrying a holstered gun or packing a rifle wouldn't be reason for a disorderly conduct charge under a proposed Utah law.

Republican Rep. Paul Ray of Clearfield says Friday that House Bill 49 would clarify for police that openly carrying an unloaded gun is allowed in Utah as long as the person isn't doing anything else threatening.

Ray says the bill reinforces the constitutional rights of Utah residents. It will likely be voted on by the House next week.

Gun Violence Prevention Center board member Steve Gunn says many people are threatened by seeing somebody with a gun and police officers should have a way to address those concerns.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)