H.B. 314 Firearm Purchase Amendments: transcript

House Public Utilities and Energy Committee, Jan 29, 2026

1. Rep. Matt MacPherson56:02

   HB three 14 firearm purchase amendments present. Thank you Chair members of the committee. I think we're okay Now. Thank you. I'm going to start off very, very briefly here and just say, um, so what this bill essentially does is, uh, make, uh, background checks for buying a firearm no longer required in the state of Utah. Just kidding. I wanted to see some of my colleagues' faces, but So you, you got, you got no reaction. I, I was gonna say, they just probably thought that would be typical coming from me on this side. Were happy. So no, with this bill is actually pretty simple and I've brought, uh, Clark Cap potion up here to, uh, go over some of the details. But from a high level overview, we collect some data when there's a firearm purchased. Um, right now there is a requirement that BCI creates a form and produces it, but we're already collecting the data in other, in other ways. So we're just trying to eliminate, uh, some extra steps that aren't necessary. I'll let Clark walk through the particulars of it and, uh, we'll go from there if the chair won't mind.

2. Chair Jack (presiding)57:14

   All right. Thank you. Carry on.

3. Clark Aposhian, Utah Shooting Sports Council57:15

   Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, members of the committee. My name is Clark Potion. I represent the Utah Shooting Sports Council, as well as the National Shooting Sports Foundation. And I should say my boss is kind of behind me there, so I have to, so anyway, um, when you purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, a gun store, okay, whether that be in the gun store, at a gun show or wherever the dealer under existing law, um, is required to fill out a firearm transaction request form. It's a one page form. It has the name and address and kind of all the, what we call the horsepower, the, you know, the, the hair color, the, the date of birth, that type of thing, and the type of firearm to be transferred. And then the dealer will send that in to BCI Right now, as a request to do the background check, that's not necessary under federal law and only exists under state law. It's very redundant. And from what I understand, some dealers aren't even doing it. They've fallen out of this. That record is not kept for more than I believe, well, 20 days right now. Anyway, so we spoke with, uh, the Bureau, BCI and they didn't seem to have any problem. I think the director is online as well right now and can probably confirm that. And all we're gonna do is get rid of that. You still have all the A FBI and a TF Form 44 73 to fill out, which has everything about the individual, including the make model, serial number of the firearm to be transferred. The background check is absolutely still done, whether it's at the gun store, at a gun show, or anywhere that dealer is involved. Um, and this basically just takes it out. There's one additional change on line 68. So basically what we're doing in the, the main part of the bill is erasing 12 lines of code. I always love a bill that erases a bunch of lines of code. This takes out 12 lines and, uh, it adds two numbers. We replaced 20 days with 30 days. The reason for that is it says the bureau may not, may not maintain any records of the criminal history background check longer than 20 days from the date of the dealer's request. Industry has asked that be to be extended by 10 days to one comply with the federal code. And just in case an individual's credit card is denied at the time of purchase or something like that, and they finally get it taken care of, or some, some other reason, the transaction can't be done. They have an additional 10 days to go back into that dealer and utilize that original background check. And that is the bill and my conclusion. And, uh, I I will say that a again, this is to eliminate redundant paperwork. Uh, BCI is confirmed they don't need it to do their job. And so, uh, with that, I'll, uh, end my presentation and open it up to the, or I'll turn it back to the chair who can open it up, I

4. Chair Jack (presiding)1:00:23

   Guess. All right, thank you. Then we will bring it back to the committee for clarifying questions. Um, I see one from Representative Peck.

5. Rep. Nicholeen P. Peck1:00:35

   Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, it's not so much a question as I just wanna make a comment. I, I love a bill that is an efficiency bill, right? To take some of the unnecessary workload away from people. But I really also, as I was reading through this bill, started looking a little bit last night into the process too. And I really have a, an appreciation for how many steps and things that firearms dealers actually have to go through. And so I wanted to just say on the record how grateful I am for them being so willing to do all the safety things to keep everybody so safe. So, Amy, thank you for this bill.

6. Chair Jack (presiding)1:01:14

   Thank you representative. Okay, thank You. Seeing no other, uh, questions from the committee, we'll go to public comment. Do we have anyone in the room who's going to wish to speak to this bill? If so, please raise your hand and let's take account. I see none, anyone online. Yaki one person. Mm-hmm. Okay. Um, tell me the name again. Marcus. All right. Marcus Yaki, would you please, uh, turn on your camera, unmute, and we'll give you two minutes so that you can, uh, uh, comment on this bill. Thank you, uh, Mr. Chair and members of the committee, I apologize for not being there in person. Uh, we have some meetings that I was unable to get away from, but my name is Marcus Yaki. I'm the director of the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Uh, department of, uh, public Safety, department of Public Safety supports this bill because it streamlines operations by eliminating, uh, duplicative data collection processes and makes the system more efficient for everyone involved. So, um, everything that was stated by, by the representative, um, is correct. It is a duplicate process. And, uh, the form 44 73 by the FFL dealers is already collecting that information, so we appreciate it. Okay. Thank you so much. I gotta figure how to stop the timer. There we go. Thank you. All right, then, uh, we'll close public comment and we'll bring it back to the committee. Uh, for a motion, I would take a motion from Representative Brooks. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, I move that we pass forward firearm purchase amendments HB three 14 with a favorable recommendation. Okay, that motion is in order that we're, uh, the motion is to pass out HB three 14 firearm purchase amendments with a favorable recommendation. So is there any debate from the committee? Okay. Seeing none then to the bill sponsor. Um, do you want to have any final word on this bill? Uh, other than, uh, Thank you for your time today. Okay. Thank you. Then we'll go back to the maker of the motion for the final word on your motion waive. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Then we'll come back to the committee for a vote. All in favor of passing, uh, HB three 14 firearm purchase amendments out to the house with a favorable recommendation. Please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed, say nay? No. Okay. I have two nos. Uh, Representative Dominguez and Representative Moss, did I get that right? Okay. Perfect. Um, so chair rules. That motion passes. Thank you committee. Thank you, representative. And your guests. Um, let's see. You want me to talk about energy for a while

7. Marcus Yockey, Director, Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification1:02:03

   Thank you, uh, Mr. Chair and members of the committee, I apologize for not being there in person. Uh, we have some meetings that I was unable to get away from, but my name is Marcus Yaki. I'm the director of the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Uh, department of, uh, public Safety, department of Public Safety supports this bill because it streamlines operations by eliminating, uh, duplicative data collection processes and makes the system more efficient for everyone involved. So, um, everything that was stated by, by the representative, um, is correct. It is a duplicate process. And, uh, the form 44 73 by the FFL dealers is already collecting that information, so we appreciate it. Okay. Thank you so much. I gotta figure how to stop the timer. There we go.

8. Chair Jack (presiding)1:02:47

   Thank you. All right, then, uh, we'll close public comment and we'll bring it back to the committee. Uh, for a motion, I would take a motion from Representative Brooks.

9. Rep. Brooks1:02:58

   Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, I move that we pass forward firearm purchase amendments HB three 14 with a favorable recommendation.

10. Chair Jack (presiding)1:03:08

    Okay, that motion is in order that we're, uh, the motion is to pass out HB three 14 firearm purchase amendments with a favorable recommendation. So is there any debate from the committee? Okay. Seeing none then to the bill sponsor. Um, do you want to have any final word on this bill?

11. Rep. Matt MacPherson1:03:33

    Uh, other than, uh, Thank you for your time today.

12. Chair Jack (presiding)1:03:37

    Okay. Thank you. Then we'll go back to the maker of the motion for the final word on your motion waive.

13. Rep. Brooks1:03:43

    Thank you. Okay. Thank you.

14. Chair Jack (presiding)1:03:45

    Then we'll come back to the committee for a vote. All in favor of passing, uh, HB three 14 firearm purchase amendments out to the house with a favorable recommendation. Please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed, say nay? No. Okay. I have two nos. Uh, Representative Dominguez and Representative Moss, did I get that right? Okay. Perfect. Um, so chair rules. That motion passes. Thank you committee. Thank you, representative. And your guests. Um, let's see. You want me to talk about energy for a while or I would take a different motion?

15. Rep. Brooks1:04:29

    Motion to adjourn.

16. Chair Jack (presiding)1:04:31

    Okay. We have a motion to adjourn. All in favor say aye. Aye. All right. Chair rules. We are adjourned. It was gonna be a good one though.

Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee, Feb 17, 2026

House floor, Feb 10, 2026

1. Floor clerk45:10

   Madam Marine Clerk House Bill three 14 Firearm purchase amendments by Representative MacPherson. This bill was heard in public utilities and energy with the vote of 7 2 3.

2. Speaker (presiding)45:22

   Thank you Madam Marine Clerk Representative MacPherson.

3. Rep. Matt MacPherson45:24

   Thank you Mr. Speaker. This, um, bill is pretty simple. Um, currently when you are purchasing a firearm in the state of Utah with a dealer, um, you have to fill out a background check. There's a number of forms that are required, but one form that's in addition to all of the forms that are in there is that there is a section here that requires BCI to create, manage and maintain a form where they collect this information, uh, separately from the information that's filled out by the purchaser. So this is never filled out by someone that goes into a store and fills out the form. This is simply managed by BCI. It's actually never been used in process and uh, it is a duplicate. And so they're asking us to uh, delete this from the section of code just to verify the background checks will still be run. All the uh, paperwork that's still filled out currently when you purchase a firearm is continued to be filled out. Um, this just takes out the requirement for BCI to create and maintain a duplicate form BCI spoke in favor of this as well in committee and I'm open to any questions.

4. Speaker (presiding)46:31

   Thank you Representative MacPherson discussion to the bill Representative Hansen.

5. Rep. Leah Hansen46:35

   Thank you Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield Representative MacPherson, will you yield?

6. Rep. Matt MacPherson46:39

   Yes. Yes. Representative Hansen.

7. Rep. Leah Hansen46:41

   Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, I really appreciate this Bill. Just have a question. Why extend to 30 days instead of 20?

8. Rep. Matt MacPherson46:48

   Oh, thank you Mr. Speaker for that. And I appreciate the question 'cause I actually neglected to bring that up. Yeah, there is an extension on the retention of the data. This is actually just an administrative reason. Um, just simply because with the, um, when it comes to simply purchasing a firearm, there's sometimes circumstances when the, uh, credit card information may not process or a check or something may not process. And since that data is deleted, it's shredded essentially from the system. Um, they've asked that that be extended a couple of extra days just so they can clear, uh, all purchasing, uh, for these uh, issues and they have contact information. But this is just an administrative change so that they can, uh, take care of this. It won't actually change any of the process that required for the purchase or the seller. It's just how long they're gonna retain those before they're deleted. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

9. Speaker (presiding)47:42

   Thank you Representative Hansen. Further discussion to the bill. See none back to Representative MacPherson for ation Summation has been waive voting will now be open on HB three 14. Representative Fiefia scene all present hand voting. Voting is now closed. HP three 14 passed this body of 64 yes votes four no votes will be sent to the Senate for its consideration. Uh, Madam Reading Clerk

Senate floor, Feb 19, 2026

1. Senate President (presiding)36:29

   Senator Stratton.

2. Sen. Keven J. Stratton36:32

   Thank you Mr. Mr. President. This actually is a bill that reduces our code. What we're doing is, uh, in this is removing a duplicate, a duplicate process in, uh, quality qualifying for the registration of firearms when, when, uh, those are bought, there's a licensing process at the federal level and we also have it at the state level. And it, it, what it does, it dovetails them together to make a, a more efficient and effective manner of gaining the, the appropriate approvals. With that, I'll be glad to yield any questions.

3. Senate President (presiding)37:14

   Thank you. Senator Stratton, seeing no questions going to you for action.

4. Sen. Keven J. Stratton37:20

   Thank you. I'll waive summary and move that this, uh, house Bill three 14, be read for third time.

5. Senate President (presiding)37:27

   Thank you. And the question is, shall house bill three 14 Be read a third time roll Calvo.

6. Senate clerk (roll call)37:32

   Senator Vickers Baldry Aye. Lewin b Brammer Aye. Bus Comore es Camilla Gilmore Aye. Grover Aye. Harper Kinins Aye. Ipson Johnson Juab McKay Mikel Aye. Milner Musselman Owens pitcher Plum Rebe Sandal Stevenson Stratton. Yes. Bickers Aye. Weiler Aye. Wilson. Aye. Winterton President Adams Aye.

7. Senate President (presiding)38:36

   House Bill three 14. Having received 21 yay votes five nay votes. Three being absent shall be read a third time.

8. Senate President (presiding)38:43

   Senator Mikel.

9. Sen. Michael K. McKell38:45

   Thank you Mr. President. I'd move to Uncer First substitute house Bill 2 48. We have a motion to encircle first substitute house bill 2 48.

10. Senate President (presiding)38:54

    Family law modifications. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Roll at motion passes. The bill is Uncer Senator.

Senate floor, Feb 20, 2026

1. Sen. Keven J. Stratton51:18

   Thank you Mr. President. What the bill simply does is deletes unused duplicates, uh, language from a previously required report for one of our state agencies. Uh, glad to answer any questions.

2. Senate President (presiding)51:33

   Thank you. Senator Vickers.

3. Sen. Evan J. Vickers51:35

   No questions to you for a motion. Thank you. I'll move that. Uh, house Bill three 14. Be read for the be passed.

4. Senate President (presiding)51:42

   We're gonna pass it. Thank you. The question is, shall house bill three 14 pass. Roll call vote.

5. Unknown speaker51:46speaker not certain

   Senator Vickers Baldry Baldy Blue in Brammer Bus Comore Escamia Fillmore Aye. Grover Aye. Harper Aye. Kins Aye. Ipson Aye. Johnson. Aye. K. Juab McKay Macl. Mikel Aye. Milner Busman Owens pitcher Plum Re. Steve Sandal Stevenson Stratton. Yes. Bickers Aye. Weiler Aye. Wilson. Aye. Winterton President Adams Aye.

6. Senate President (presiding)52:42

   House Bill three 14, having received 18 yay votes, six nay votes, five being absent passes. His body will be signed by the President for return to the house for the signature of the speaker.

7. Senate President (presiding)53:06

   Liability limitations amendments. Senator Winterton. Senator Winterton.

8. Sen. Wayne A. Harper53:11

   Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill is, creates an affirmative defense in civil actions for conduct a mission or condition authorized