[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6359262,"mediaKeyId","2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d","parentId",2187768,"title","Committee rejects favorable recommendation for comprehensive firearms bill SB 130 after heated public debate","audioSeconds",1830,"startMs",4926000,"endMs",6756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d&start=4926&end=6756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d/thumbnail_4926000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6359262/Utah/Committee-rejects-favorable-recommendation-for-comprehensive-firearms-bill-SB-130-after-heated-public-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359262-c8147ee2f6831fa51a7b732be38f266d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955328&Signature=e6vhPNx3cRfRY5R7K4~~xrQbt9S8uWDJo9zcab28rCrf-vkab8TUfP4doYVTTP5-idFsqRKHNxZlWabZB5qkyhnFGclN9Had4aTlCjNnSG51sxpdaYyDAkRAN478-OPjCvnBR439epetKV6Bfl~-R8qKuJWhIMx4N4L7FbyDWfqQH5Ud6pgpME-QTrfVrkMOxEXsK8dy~ZCWfr2Z91wA6B2NGnNodZdeg8MSj5RSRFCe51NpQctJzLcGlbYcZwvXUkshLVtNO2sxyHn~62ZcwJRsr5BzRU7iyg~eKpa39PhXR12s3WWAUED8N~ZFq9C49rOI4mcF-2nbdNuZHTK40A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-01-31T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 130, a 52‑page firearms measure that proposed multiple changes — including a ban on gas‑operated semiautomatic rifles with detachable or high‑capacity magazines, criminal penalties for certain attachments and magazine possession, a five‑day waiting period for dealer sales and expanded penalties for altered serial numbers — failed to win committee approval on Jan. 31.

Sponsor Senator Blake Bluhn framed SB 130 as a prevention tool to reduce mass-shooting lethality and suicide, noting that “83% of gun deaths in Utah are people who died by suicide with a gun” and arguing that limits on high‑capacity magazines and certain attachments would reduce casualties in active‑shooter events. The bill would also require dealers to post negligent‑storage liability notices and expand penalties for restricted persons who possess ammunition.

Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included members of Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah, Utah Moms Demand Action and pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Brinton, who described treating survivors and argued for a waiting period and restrictions on high‑capacity magazines and conversion devices. Opponents included the Utah Shooting Sports Council, Women For Gun Rights, Utah Legislative Watch and other gun‑rights groups who said the bill infringes the state and federal constitutional right to bear arms, risked creating registries and would not reduce violent crime; the Utah Shooting Sports Council noted states with strict gun laws that nonetheless have higher homicide rates.

Law enforcement input included support from the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office for adding tools to criminal statutes (for example, prohibiting altered serial numbers and restricting ammunition possession by prohibited persons). Several committee members said they were open to narrower measures or stakeholder negotiation.

Senator Bluhn moved favorable recommendation; a roll‑call vote failed, with one ‘aye’ and several ‘no’ votes recorded during the committee roll call. The chair ruled the motion failed and the committee adjourned.

Sponsor Bluhn said he would welcome stakeholder talks on narrower packages; members urged pre‑bill stakeholder engagement before reintroducing large policy packages.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee - January 31, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","SB 130, a broad firearms measure that would have banned certain gas‑operated semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines, added a five‑day waiting period and criminalized some altered-serial-number firearms, failed to receive committee support and did not pass out of committee.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359267,"Committee advances $11 million loan plan to spur critical‑minerals production, SB 187 moves forward",683,4210000,4893000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d&start=4210&end=4893","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d/thumbnail_4210000.jpg","/articles/6359267/Utah/Committee-advances-11-million-loan-plan-to-spur-criticalminerals-production-SB-187-moves-forward","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359267-56e3432976c04ac6fd58d210e14f5809/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955328&Signature=bKYc9YHr7jkNkz9QncI6YzybzE0zAR6IVQnoh15xPJ20koshewPJe8ANCPRuttCIMOF35IgE56aMHveaMSYgXSY2QCzf1UgBsAyBi50-uDme2IQgXrb9XZ1~LV0JXjvIhtoDo~3kG7skjvq5YSbJ02THC88xONQxNxoT0ofJ~54yFJfWCUtpFHoalRAONqptk6~N0J~-~294Ca4TmJJsYAeFrqPZ02~qv0S6dShueCCz8Oiv6M6TriGaunFMbclD0xydYwGCdQ6Gapb3UnYMmwf4o-mC8fRTOY3fRwuuXWHz3u~SQW~aWSs0WlZ8BqlFhvD0B58XMGAKdl3ibSZgnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 187 would direct a state throughput infrastructure loan of $11 million to help accelerate production of critical minerals in Utah, sponsors said, and the committee voted to recommend the bill favorably.

Senator Hankins and other supporters framed the bill as a short-term, repayable loan (not a grant) intended to jump-start facilities that are close to production and to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources for key minerals. Sponsor Stevenson said the Utah project for fluorspar is months from production and that Utah hosts the only fully permitted fluorspar mine in the United States; he described gallium and other elements as critical to the semiconductor and defense supply chains.

Supporters stressed the economic and national-security rationale: domestic supplies of gallium and other elements are limited and the U.S. currently imports significant shares from foreign jurisdictions. The bill would be structured as a loan with drawdown expected in 2–3 years and repayment within about seven years, sponsor Stevenson said; money would be repaid with interest to the fund.

Committee members asked whether the loan would be limited to Utah operations; sponsor Stevenson confirmed the program is intended for projects in Utah, and supporters said royalties and production could benefit school trust and rural economies. The committee voted to advance SB 187 with a favorable recommendation.

No public opposition recorded in committee testimony; sponsors and several members described the measure as an economic and strategic investment rather than a subsidy.","Senators advanced SB 187, which would provide a short-term $11 million loan from a throughput infrastructure fund to help restart or speed production of critical minerals—such as fluorspar and gallium—saying the work supports economic and national-security goals.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359271,"Committee advances SB 159 to require lining for certain oil‑and‑gas waste facilities with phased compliance",384,3647000,4031000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d&start=3647&end=4031","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d/thumbnail_3647000.jpg","/articles/6359271/Utah/Committee-advances-SB-159-to-require-lining-for-certain-oilandgas-waste-facilities-with-phased-compliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359271-b734e77443ad9d0aac50ffbe24a236db/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955328&Signature=T0Gc92uqRX5vsLKTgZPwlueIaV2YXSeyQssJG8J6RCp5Vyx1sjMNjMsswbml1o30es4myp7oi5EcKQaJ6uVDCPRGpq8cUT7hkSiePbzpoyttzDH7Q45TSedZeMT1dyZRb~DmZYBOda4gTnnFEt9nDMvq1XLiQQJAgdV31Rlo5ZlrWxM91BZlKyr3bJwXjX8Hx0r09jK5QE1vAtjjUtUOin8rmHA6POz6As2xmgwDWmThgMy5bjUbFNRPq~Qu1YN2d2bNJkUJhRwakvIuH-TRnrz4p2Rl0HmnIArmIAzT5UIInXCcZbjryCS7LAvcOJCuN8pcqJH~WDttmHujEp3j5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 159, in first substitute form, would change how the state permits certain waste disposal facilities that accept exploration and production waste from oil and gas activities. The substitute narrows timelines and requires liners for facilities handling liquid waste while allowing existing facilities a phased compliance pathway.

Doug Hansen, director of the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, explained the bill responds to a 2019 statutory transfer that moved some oil-and-gas waste regulation from the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining into DEQ’s waste division. Hansen told the committee the new framework distinguishes solid‑waste facilities from liquid‑waste facilities and requires liners for liquid waste as a best‑practice protective measure for groundwater. He said there are about 21 existing facilities; some already have liners, others are in the process of upgrading, and the bill sets a transition mechanism for those sites.

Ricky Renko Browning of the Utah Petroleum Association and industry witnesses told the panel they support the measured timeline, calling it a common practice in similar oil‑and‑gas jurisdictions and praising the phased approach. Supporters said the bill provides regulatory certainty while protecting water resources.

Public testimony included industry- and community-level support for responsible drilling. After sponsor remarks, the committee voted to send the first substitute to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation. Senator Stratton, sponsor and presenter of the substitute, said the 5‑year sunset for the temporary permit strikes a balance between protecting the environment and allowing operators time to upgrade.

The substitute is aimed at making the state’s regulatory framework for exploration‑related wastes consistent with DEQ oversight and at ensuring protective liners where liquid wastes are handled, with a compliance timeline for existing facilities.","A substitute of SB 159 would require liners for some disposal facilities that handle liquid oil-and-gas exploration and production waste, set transition permits for existing facilities and create a 2030 sunset for the temporary allowance; the committee voted to recommend the substitute favorably.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359274,"Committee exempts veterinarians from gabapentin monitoring in substitute for SB 120",1091,2404000,3495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d&start=2404&end=3495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d/thumbnail_2404000.jpg","/articles/6359274/Utah/Committee-exempts-veterinarians-from-gabapentin-monitoring-in-substitute-for-SB-120","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359274-301f3f89ff478112b1af4737e361ce20/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955328&Signature=cD-wtxwTc7SpFExfcf-vhGmuEMcYTU~eA0HJExy1txyBMoK35S9m04lovjjhpEehD~PSFp1UuV33emIiYIjm41sH3qekhDiAS3~RaXKrabK~9FhQAM7oOPyADCjPvHh6gW1JEwwpcAg6haXP0Imm1dJY99IghM4Jvo01Qw8tFM6DmoBJJvGZUJZ2bv5H6EaN3SrHIgljLmMplD69xTU2Qt~qyF3nvSZRsOBcSqkkb3-o6fQpc54J-rqAb96h~qgytpgLyR5SCj4vTTt2fLqA58IEIQEOsGTBcAK5VNT1~OwO2lFS6-ugVjQOBMYGZHfboUESc6hinynaQdqXfN2spw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A first substitute to Senate Bill 120 won committee approval on Jan. 31 after sponsors said the change clarifies the bill’s intent and avoids unintended impacts on veterinary medicine.

Senator Jennifer Plumb, sponsor of SB 120, said recent placement of gabapentin on the state’s controlled-substance monitoring system created hurdles for veterinarians and animal shelters, because animals do not appear in the human prescription database. “When we're prescribing to animals…there's not a controlled substance database for my pug,” Plumb said, arguing for a narrow veterinary exemption limited to the scope of veterinary practice.

Veterinarians and shelter operators testified in favor of the exemption. Dr. Andrei Tarasov, a licensed veterinarian, told the committee gabapentin is “used very widely and it's very good, safe, non‑addictive medication” for chronic pain and anxiety in animals; he said added reporting and dispensing rules have delayed animal care. Marissa Hernandez and Christina Pulsipher, director-level staff from animal-welfare organizations Rough Haven Crisis Sheltering and the Humane Society of Utah (statement read), said the medicine is affordable, has minimal side effects and is vital in shelter settings where on-site veterinary capacity is limited.

Sponsors said the substitute is narrowly drawn and reversible if future data show problems. Senator Plumb said the state can monitor human-prescribing trends through the controlled-substance database and return to the issue if diversion appears. Senator Hinkins moved that the committee report the substitute favorably; the committee approved the bill and later placed it on the consent calendar.

Supporters urged that the exemption preserve timely treatment for animals while balancing human overdose-prevention goals. Opponents were not recorded in committee testimony for this bill.","The committee approved a first substitute to SB 120 that exempts veterinarians from controlled-substance database reporting for gabapentin when used within the scope of veterinary practice, citing animal welfare and shelter-care concerns.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359276,"Senate committee pushes plan B for rural tire disposal, favors SB 63",2282,62000,2344000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d&start=62&end=2344","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2187768-e04f6e01e9637430909355cd59cfde1d/thumbnail_62000.jpg","/articles/6359276/Utah/Senate-committee-pushes-plan-B-for-rural-tire-disposal-favors-SB-63","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359276-7e52a1a496c03ca322d7f56a9a6e5654/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955328&Signature=WEBs8ovF0FyZZh8xCC1VEh2SRqtulAWp5MA4ObFkaAwaL31eU42k2hXW0iCXpqxnimfuPNx7B53ksDJwMSEhuHUy0RzGAjMYrrD6G8yTaCvBEf~lLr7HWQWypKFAOSeXh-vCvsYwFjPZDUios5HUfBjB4cZ18trsTx-tFwD556BaxnowxkZ6SgOsl29zoUu9p2gMbU6YQ1zjkzwsE37JsqzieggkhEPux8-~RceSatmIOlLI~wEfiFReBBLHipIdxr1IHaM01l76ct5kbmi8gXDTUHhoZa3EXwLHTppbjjK9NaXZUUshiDvKDHRzJEV8t4dE9Qt~Tjnc6qG7Ptm2KA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate sponsors and rural landfill operators told the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee on Jan. 31 that widespread piles of used tires in rural counties are not moving through the existing recycling market, and they favor a backup option to keep tires from accumulating.

The bill would let class 3–6 county landfills accept shredded tires as “beneficial use” daily cover and change the definition of tire chip size from 2 inches to as large as 8 inches. Senator Daniel Vickers, sponsor of SB 63, said the change is intended as a plan B for rural areas: “This plan B would be a solution just for 3rd through 6th class counties that would allow the landfill to utilize the shredded tires…allowing cover to be the beneficial use.”

Committee testimony described the practical problem: some rural landfills have thousands of tires stacked with no economical collection option. Bruce Anderson, director of the Iron County Landfill, said his site and neighboring counties are “not the low hanging fruit” for commercial collectors and that a local low-speed shredder could provide daily cover and improve compaction. Doug Hansen, director of Utah’s Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, said the bill would remove a regulatory barrier by allowing landfills in specified county classes to transport tires under their landfill permits to a shredder-equipped county.

Private recyclers and end users warned the committee the amendment risks undermining existing recycling markets. Shannon Clark of Liberty Tire said the bill “would encourage the landfilling of the tires,” and that Utah’s current program is intended to keep tires out of landfills and move them into higher-value recycled products. David George of Great Salt Lake Recycling and Larry Gibbons of GeoCycle (a cement-fuel user) said they can accept and process many tires and asked for more time and coordination to expand services into rural areas. Candace Daley, lobbyist for Liberty Tire, said her company had limited notice and asked the committee to allow more stakeholder conversations.

Senator Bridal moved favorable recommendation to the full Senate; the committee approved the motion unanimously. Sponsor Vickers said he welcomes private-sector solutions and expects continued discussion as the bill advances.

If enacted, SB 63 would be an option rather than a mandate: it creates a conditional pathway for smaller counties to use shredded tires as landfill cover and to pool funds to acquire shredding equipment, while preserving private-market recycling when available.

Committee members and industry witnesses urged ongoing outreach between recyclers, counties and the Division of Waste Management to avoid unintended impacts on private recycling capacity and to clarify how waste-tire fees follow material when counties accept tires.","The Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee voted to send Senate Bill 63 to the full Senate, advancing a temporary ‘plan B’ that would let small Utah counties use shredded tires as landfill cover and ease transport rules for certain counties while preserving space for private recycling solutions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee rejects favorable recommendation for comprehensive firearms bill SB 130 after heated public debate

Committee advances $11 million loan plan to spur critical‑minerals production, SB 187 moves forward

Committee advances SB 159 to require lining for certain oil‑and‑gas waste facilities with phased compliance

Committee exempts veterinarians from gabapentin monitoring in substitute for SB 120

Senate committee pushes plan B for rural tire disposal, favors SB 63