In the next legislative session, state Rep. Brian King will introduce a bill requiring each individual purchasing a firearm to submit to a universal background check. Universal background checks are already required under federal law for all guns purchased through licensed firearm dealers.
Rep. King’s bill extends universal background checks to private individuals and purchasers at gun shows. The bill does not apply to the transfer of firearms between family members. Twelve other states require universal background checks for the same or similar type of purchases.
Recently, I lost a dear friend to unnecessary gun violence. As a parent of a child in elementary school and two children in college, I worry about a mass shooting at a school or university in our community.
According to a recent poll conducted by Y2 Analytics, 88% of Utahns support universal background checks on all gun sales.
Last year, Rep. King’s universal background check bill did not even get a vote in the Legislature. If you support universal background checks, please contact your state representative and senator.
Shawn Robinson, Salt Lake City
