FILE PHOTO: experts still say the number of gun deaths and gun suicide is a big concern. (University of Utah)
SALT LAKE CITY — The number of in-state concealed firearm permit applications dipped significantly this year. The drop comes after Utah lawmakers passed a new permitless carry law.
The Utah State Legislature passed H.B. 60 this year which grants any non-prohibited person 21 years of age or older in Utah to carry a fully loaded firearm without a permit. This also applies to non-Utah residents.
Bureau of Criminal Identification Director Greg Willmore says a drop of in-state concealed firearm permit applications was expected. However, the decrease was remarkable.
“[In-state applications] dropped or decreased by 51.5%,” Willmore said.
That figure accounts for applications submitted between June and August 2021. The new law went into effect in May.
While the number of Utahns applying for permits is down, the out-of-state applicants are noticeably up.
“That’s increased by about 71%, almost 72%,” says Willmore.
He says Utah concealed firearms permits have always been popular, and that out-of-state applications are typically higher than those coming from Utahns.
“Out-of-state permit holders have been more than in-state permit holders. So, it’s not necessarily a trend. It’s always been that way,” he says.
He believes the reason is the high reciprocity rate of Utah’s permit. It is valid in more than 30 other states.
According to BCI data, over 11,000 permits were issued during the 3rd quarter. More than 17,000 were renewed. The state denied 284 applications, revoked 91 permits, and suspended 271 permits through the same period.
Check the BCI website for more information about concealed carry permits in Utah.