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SALT LAKE CITY — Emotional testimony before state lawmakers marked a debate Tuesday on the merits of a gun bill that would extend Utah's concealed carry law to young adults 18-21.
HB198, by Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, passed the House with a 63-12 vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The measure, Lisonbee said, is intended to help young women on college campuses feel they have protection in the event of a sexual assault. Under the proposal, young adults that age could apply for a provisional permit to carry a concealed firearm.
"A group of women who brought this to me want to defend themselves from rape," Lisonbee said.
Rep. Karen Kwan, D-Murray, said the proposal worries her because young adults' brains are still developing and not yet mature.
Kwan, a college professor, said "it is scary on campus," and many times she has worried about her safety with regards to students.
Although Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, said the bill goes a step too far, supporters disagreed.
"The single most effective way to stop a completed rape is with a gun or a knife," said Rep. Kim Coleman, R-West Jordan, citing numerous studies.