HB119 allows teachers to carry or securely store firearms on school grounds, provided they complete annual defense training and have a valid concealed carry permit. Teachers can use biometric safes in classrooms and must keep firearms concealed unless facing an active threat. The program exempts them from liability for good-faith actions and keeps records confidential. Schools cannot bar teachers from participating.
The Utah State Senate passed HB119 on February 28, 2024 by a vote of 19 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the right to defend ourselves and others is a God-given right protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Second Amendment, which states, “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”