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Becky Bruce and AP reporting A House committee thinks concealed weapon license holders should be able to carry guns openly in public areas.
The committee approved House Bill 473, which would allow gun owners to display loaded weapons in areas like schools, sports arenas and hospitals.
Many students at the University of Utah say yes to concealed weapons but no to guns where they can see them.
"Anytime we can see a gun we feel a little edgy around it," one woman said.
Others say they're split on the issue altogether.
"I've thought about it a lot, but I haven't come up with a conclusive thought yet," another woman said.
"Every single person in my family, every male, has a concealed weapons permit, and I think that it's a smart decision," one man said.
Still, others are confused about what the law actually says.
Some professors at the University KSL Newsradio talked to have a completely different take. "I think I would be a little bit more nervous if it was visible," one professor said.
The bill is sponsored by Curtis Oda, a Republican representative from Clearfield. Oda has repeatedly criticized the University of Utah for its policy prohibiting the open display of firearms.
School administrators say it's impossible to determine someone's motives when they walk into a classroom carrying a gun. They're concerned a law allowing it would be disruptive to classes.
The bill now goes to the House floor for debate.
(The Associated Press and the Salt Lake Tribune contributed to this report. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
