So what’s the big deal anyway? Doesn’t just about every state have a system to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon?
Yes, nearly every state does have a system to get a permit but in Utah, the big deal is twofold. One, the cost of applying and getting a permit is comparatively cheap at $54.00 and then only $10.00 to renew every 5 years. Secondly, a concealed carry permit obtained in Utah is recognized in 30 other states around the country.
Contrary to what some might believe, it is not easy to get a permit in Utah either. The process is detailed and certainly prevents criminals from getting permits illegally. According to this article this morning in the Deseret News, background checks, experience and instruction are necessary.
In Utah, a person must be 21 or older, must submit to fingerprinting and be photographed, must undergo both state and federal criminal background checks, must have hands-on gun time, and must be taught by a certified instructor. Some states do not have all those requirements.
Why is it though that there always seems to be a political wrinkle with any good thing? What is putting this attractive process in jeopardy is how the money taken in from applicants is being directed.
The state budgets $88,000 to process applications. This budget amount was put in place in 1994 and hasn’t changed since then but since 1994 applications have more than doubled to over 16,000 estimated for this year.
It now costs over $800,000 to process all the applications yet the department that does it only gets the $88,000 budgeted even though revenues collected from applicants totals over $600,000. The collected money goes into the general fund. A place that all politicians love.
Tom Remington
