BIPARTISAN VICTORY FOR GUN SAFETY IN UTAH: Governor Spencer Cox Signs Legislation into Law to Improve Transparency and Reporting of Firearms Used in Crimes 

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement following Governor Spencer Cox signing HB 354 into law. The new law requires law enforcement in the state to gather and report information about crimes involving ghost guns and firearms that were lost or stolen. 

“This new law is about transparency and accountability – in how firearms are handled by law enforcement and how guns are being used by criminals in our state,” said Jaden Christensen, a volunteer with the Utah chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We thank lawmakers and Governor Cox for making this bill law – and we look forward to continuing working together to find common-sense solutions that keep weapons out of dangerous hands, promote secure storage of firearms and protect our families from senseless acts of gun violence.” 

Every single day, 125 people are shot and killed and hundreds more are shot and wounded in devastating homicides, suicides, domestic violence incidents, and unintentional shootings that never even make headlines. Gun violence costs Utah $5.5 billion each year, of which $50.1 million is paid by taxpayers. 83% of gun deaths in Utah are by gun suicide. More information about gun violence in Utah is available here.