Bill > HB0080

This bill establishes new legal requirements for firearm storage in Utah to prevent minors (defined as individuals under 16 years old) from accessing and misusing firearms. The law creates a criminal offense called "failure to secure a firearm resulting in a minor gaining access" which applies to individuals 18 and older who store a loaded firearm in their residence and fail to secure it properly. Proper security means keeping the firearm in a locked container, a secure location, or using a trigger lock. If a minor obtains the unsecured firearm and then uses it in a public place or in a threatening manner, the firearm owner can be charged with a class C misdemeanor. The law provides an affirmative defense if the owner can prove they took reasonable precautions to secure the firearm. Exceptions to the law include situations involving unlawful entry, lawful self-defense, or if the firearm owner immediately reports the firearm's unauthorized access to law enforcement. The bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026, giving gun owners ample time to understand and comply with the new storage requirements.