Public Safety, Criminal Investigations and Technical Services, Criminal Identification

Rule R722-300

Concealed Firearm Permit and Instructor Rule

Notice of Proposed Rule

(New Rule)

DAR File No.: 33967
Filed: 08/17/2010 05:46:08 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this new rule is to clarify definitions and to enact procedures to carry out the statute change, see H.B. 214 in the 2010 General Session of the Utah Legislature. (DAR NOTE: H.B. 214 (2010) is found at Chapter 62, laws of Utah 2010, and was effective 05/11/2010.)

Summary of the rule or change:

This rule enacts procedures to carry out the statute change in H.B. 214 (2010).

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Title 53, Chapter 5

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

No aggregate anticipated cost or savings to the state budget. This proposed rule addresses the actual process of applying for a Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) and the process for adjudicative proceedings thus, no aggregate cost or savings to the state budget is anticipated. Clarification of certain disqualifiers for revoking or suspending a permit and certain instructor procedures does not add an aggregate anticipated cost or savings to the state budget.

local governments:

No aggregate anticipated cost or savings to local government. This proposed rule addresses the actual process of applying for a Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) and the process for adjudicative proceedings thus, no aggregate cost or savings to local government is anticipated. Clarification of certain disqualifiers for revoking or suspending a permit and certain instructor procedures does not add an aggregate anticipated cost or savings to local government.

small businesses:

No aggregate anticipated cost or savings to small businesses. This proposed rule addresses the actual process of applying for a Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) and the process for adjudicative proceedings thus, no aggregate cost or savings to small businesses is anticipated. Clarification of certain disqualifiers for revoking or suspending a permit and certain instructor procedures does not add an aggregate anticipated cost or savings to small businesses.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

No aggregate anticipated cost or savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities. This proposed rule addresses the actual process of applying for a Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) and the process for adjudicative proceedings thus, no aggregate cost or savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities is anticipated. Clarification of certain disqualifiers for revoking or suspending a permit and certain instructor procedures does not add an aggregate anticipated cost or savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

No compliance costs--This rule addresses the application for licensing, certain adjudicative proceedings, and clarifications for certain disqualifiers for revoking or suspending a permit and certain instructor procedures relating to the Concealed Firearm Permit and Instructor programs. There are no anticipated compliance costs for any of the persons addressed above.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This should not have any particular effect on business since it is only implementing procedures for the issuance of a permit pursuant to the statutory requirements.

Lance Davenport, Commissioner

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Public Safety
Criminal Investigations and Technical Services, Criminal Identification
3888 W 5400 S
TAYLORSVILLE, UT 84118

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Alice Moffat at the above address, by phone at 801-965-4939, by FAX at 801-965-4944, or by Internet E-mail at aerickso@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

10/15/2010

This rule may become effective on:

10/22/2010

Authorized by:

Alice Moffat, Bureau Chief

R722. Public Safety, Criminal Investigations and Technical Services, Criminal Identification.

R722-300. Concealed Firearm Permit and Instructor Rule.

R722-300-1. Purpose.

The purpose of this rule is to establish procedures whereby the bureau administers the Concealed Firearms Act in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7.

 

R722-300-2. Authority.

This rule is authorized by Section 53-5-704(16) which provides that the commissioner may make rules necessary to administer Title 53, Chapter 5.

 

R722-300-3. Definitions.

(1) Terms used in this rule are defined in Sections 53-5-702, 53-5-711, 76-10-501.

(2) In addition:

(a) "applicant" means an individual seeking to obtain or renew a permit, a temporary permit, an instructor certification, or a LEOJ permit from the bureau;

(b) "certified firearms instructor" means an individual certified by the bureau pursuant to Section 53-5-704(8) who can certify that an applicant meets the general firearm familiarity requirement under Section 53-5-704(7);

(c) " certified firearms instructor official seal" means a red, self-inking stamp containing the information required in Subsection 53-5-704(10)(a)(iii)(C) which meets the design requirements described on the bureau's website;

(d) "crime of violence" means a crime under the laws of this state, any other state, the United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States which has, as an element, the use, threatened use, or attempted use of physical force or a dangerous weapon;

(e) "felony" means a crime under the laws of this state, any other state, the United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States for which the penalty is a term of imprisonment in excess of one year;

(f) "FBI" means the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(g) "instructor certification" means a concealed firearm instructor certification issued by the bureau pursuant to Section 53-5-704(8);

(h) "LEOJ permit" means a permit to carry a concealed firearm issued to a judge or law enforcement official by the bureau pursuant to 53-5-711;

(i) "NRA" means the National Rifle Association;

(j) "offense involving domestic violence" means a crime under the laws of this state, any other state, the United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States involving any of the conduct described in:

(i) Section 77-36-1; or

(ii) 18 U.S.C § 921(a)(33);

(k) "offense involving moral turpitude" means a crime under the laws of this state, any other state, the United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States involving conduct which:

(i) is done knowingly contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals;

(ii) has an element of falsification or fraud; or

(iii) contains an element of harm or injury directed to another person or another's property;

(l) "offense involving unlawful sexual conduct" means a crime under the laws of this state, any other state, the United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States involving any of the conduct described in:

(i) Title 76 Chapter 5, Part 4

(ii) Title 76 Chapter 7, Part 1;

(iii) Title 76 Chapter 9, Part 702, 702.5, and 702.5;

(iv) Title 76 Chapter 10, Part 12; or

(v) Title 76 Chapter 10, Part 13;

(m) "offense involving the use of alcohol" means a crime under the laws of this state, any other state, the United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States involving any of the conduct described in:

(i) Section 32A-12-209;

(ii) Section 32A-12-220;

(iii) Section 41-6a-501(2) related to the use of alcohol; or

(iv) Section 76-10-528 related to carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence of alcohol;

(n) "offense involving the unlawful use of narcotics or controlled substances" means:

(i) any offense listed in Section 41-6a-501(2) involving the use of a controlled substance;

(ii) any offense involving the use or possession of any controlled substance found in Title 58, Chapters 37, 37a, or 37b; or

(iii) the crime of carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence of a controlled substance pursuant to Section 76-10-528;

(o) "past pattern of behavior involving unlawful violence" means verifiable incidents, regardless of whether there has been an arrest or conviction, that would lead a reasonable person to believe that an individual has a violent nature and would be a danger to themselves or others, including an attempt or threat to commit suicide.

(p) "permit" means a permit to carry a concealed firearm issued by the bureau pursuant to Section 53-5-704;

(q) "POST" means the Utah Department of Public Safety, Division of Peace Officer Standards and Training;

(r) "revocation" means the permanent deprivation of a permit, instructor certification, or certificate of qualification. Revocation of a permit, instructor certification, or certificate of qualification does not preclude an individual from applying for a new permit, instructor certification, or certificate of qualification if the reason for revocation no longer exists;

(s) "suspension" means the temporary deprivation, for a specified period of time, of a permit, instructor certification, or certificate of qualification; and

(t) "temporary permit" means a temporary permit to carry a concealed firearm issued by the bureau pursuant to Section 53-5-705.

 

R722-300-4. Application for a Permit to Carry a Concealed Firearm.

(1)(a) An applicant seeking to obtain a permit must submit a completed permit application packet to the bureau.

(b) The permit application packet shall include:

(i) a written application form provided by the bureau which shall include the address of the applicant's permanent residence;

(ii) a photocopy of a state-issued driver license or identification card;

(iii) one recent color photograph of passport quality which contains the applicant's name written on the back of the photograph;

(iv) one completed FBI applicant fingerprint card (Form FD-258) with the applicant's legible fingerprints;

(v) a non-refundable processing fee of $65.25, in the form of cash, check, money order, or credit card, which consists of a $35.00 fee established by Section 53-5-707 and a $30.25 FBI fingerprint processing fee;

(vi) evidence indicating that the applicant has general familiarity with the types of firearms to be concealed as required by Subsection 53-5-704(5)(d); and

(vii) any mitigating information that the applicant wishes the bureau to consider when determining whether the applicant meets the qualifications set forth in Subsection 53-5-704(2)(a).

(2) An applicant may establish evidence of general familiarity with the types of firearms to be concealed as required in Subsection 53-5-704(5)(d) by submitting a signed certificate, issued within one year of the date of the application, bearing a certified firearms instructor's official seal, certifying that the applicant has completed the required firearms course of instruction established by the bureau.

(3) If the applicant is employed as a law enforcement officer, the applicant:

(i) shall not be required to pay the application fee; and

(ii) may establish evidence of general familiarity with the types of firearms to be concealed as required in Subsection 53-5-704(5)(d) by submitting documentation from a law enforcement agency located within the state of Utah indicating that the applicant has successfully completed the firearm qualification requirements of that agency within the last five years.

(4)(a) Upon receipt of a complete permit application packet, the bureau shall conduct a thorough background investigation to determine if the applicant meets the requirements found in Subsections 53-5-704(2) and (3).

(b) The background investigation shall consist of the following:

(i) sending the fingerprint card to the FBI for a review of the applicant's criminal history record pursuant to Section 53-5-706; and

(ii) verifying the accuracy of the information provided in the application packet through a search of local, state and national records which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(A) the Utah Computerized Criminal History database;

(B) the National Crime Information Center database;

(C) the Utah Law Enforcement Information Network;

(D) state driver license records;

(E) the Utah Statewide Warrants System;

(F) juvenile court criminal history files;

(G) expungement records maintained by the bureau;

(H) the National Instant Background Check System;

(I) the Utah Gun Check Inquiry Database;

(J) Immigration and Customs Enforcement records; and

(K) Utah Department of Corrections Offender Tracking System; and

(L) the Mental Gun Restrict Database.

(5)(a) If the background check indicates that an applicant does not meet the qualifications set forth in Subsection 53-5-704(2)(a), the bureau shall consider any mitigating circumstances submitted by the applicant.

(b) If the applicant does not meet the qualifications set forth in Subsection 53-5-704(2)(a) because the applicant has been convicted of a crime, the bureau may find that mitigating circumstances exist if the applicant was not convicted of a registerable sex offense, as defined in Subsection 77-27-21.5(1)(n), and the following time periods have elapsed from the date the applicant was convicted or released from incarceration, parole, or probation, whichever occurred last:

(i) five years in the case of a class A misdemeanor;

(ii) four years in the case of a class B misdemeanor; or

(iii) three years in the case of any other misdemeanor or infraction.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision, the bureau may not grant a permit if the applicant does not meet the qualifications in Subsection 53-5-704(2)(a)(viii).

(6)(a) If the bureau determines that the applicant meets the requirements found in Subsection 53-5-704(2) and (3), the bureau shall issue a permit to the applicant within 60 days.

(b) The permit shall be mailed to the applicant at the address listed on the application.

(7)(a) If the bureau determines that the applicant does not meet the requirements found in Subsection 53-5-704(2) and (3), the bureau shall mail a letter of denial to the applicant, return receipt requested.

(b) The denial letter shall state the reasons for denial and indicate that the applicant has a right to request a review hearing before the board by filing a petition for review within 60 days as provided in Section 53-5-704(15).

 

R722-300-5. Application for a Concealed Firearms Instructor Certification.

(1)(a) An applicant seeking to be certified as a Utah concealed firearms instructor must submit a completed instructor certification application packet to the bureau.

(b) The instructor certification application packet shall include:

(i) a written instructor certification application form provided by the bureau;

(ii) a photocopy of a state-issued driver license or identification card;

(iii) one recent color photograph of passport quality which contains the applicant's name written on the back of the photograph;

(iv) a non-refundable processing fee of $50.00, in the form of cash, check, money order, or credit card;

(v) evidence that the applicant has a current NRA certification or its equivalent as required by Subsection 53-5-704(8)(a)(iii); and

(vi) evidence that the applicant has completed the course of instruction provided under the direction of the bureau and passed the certification test provided in Subsection 53-5-704(8)(c), within one year of the date of the application.

(2) An applicant may meet the requirements of Subsection 53-5-704(8)(a)(iii) by providing a certificate of completion from one of the following:

(a) a NRA firearms instructor training program; or

(b) a POST firearms instructor training program.

(4) When reviewing an application for certification the bureau shall conduct a background investigation to ensure that the instructor is eligible to possess a firearm under Section 76-10-503 and federal law.

(5)(a) If the bureau determines that an applicant meets the requirements found in Subsection 53-5-704(8), the bureau shall issue an instructor certification to the applicant.

(b) An instructor certification identification card shall be mailed to the applicant at the address listed on the application.

(6)(a) If the bureau determines that the applicant does not meet the requirements found in Subsection 53-5-704(8), the bureau shall mail a denial letter to the applicant, return receipt requested.

(b) The denial letter shall state the reasons for denial and indicate that the applicant has a right to request a review hearing before the board by filing a petition for review within 60 days as provided in Section 53-5-704(15).

 

R722-300-6. Renewal of a Concealed Firearms Permit or Concealed Firearms Instructor Certification.

(1)(a) An applicant seeking to renew a permit or an instructor certification must submit a completed renewal packet to the bureau.

(b) The renewal packet shall include:

(i) a written renewal form provided by the bureau which shall include the current address of the applicant's permanent residence;

(ii) one recent color photograph of passport quality which contains the applicant's name written on the back of the photograph; and

(iv) a non-refundable processing fee in the form of cash, check, money order, or credit card which is $10.00 fee to renew a permit or $25.00 fee to renew an instructor certification.

(2) In addition to the items listed in Subsection (1)(b), an instructor seeking to renew an instructor certification must submit evidence that the instructor has completed the course of instruction provided under the direction of the bureau and passed the certification test provided in Subsection 53-5-704(8)(c), within one year of the date of the application.

(3) A renewal packet may be submitted no earlier than 60 days prior to the expiration of a current permit or certification.

(4) A fee consisting of $7.50 will be collected for renewal packets submitted on a permit or an instructor certification that has been expired for more than thirty days but less than one year.

(b) Renewal packets for a permit or an instructor certification which has been expired for more than one year will not be accepted and the applicant will have to re-apply for a permit or an instructor certification.

(5) When renewing a permit or an instructor certification the bureau shall conduct a background investigation.

(6)(a) If the bureau determines that the applicant meets the requirements to renew a permit or an instructor certification, the bureau shall mail the renewed permit or instructor certification identification card to the applicant.

(b) The renewed permit or instructor certification identification card shall be mailed to the applicant at the address listed on the renewal application.

(7)(a) If the bureau determines that the applicant does not meet the requirements to renew a permit or an instructor certification, the bureau shall mail a denial letter to the applicant, return receipt requested.

(b) The denial letter shall state the reasons for denial and indicate that the applicant has a right to request a review hearing before the board by filing a petition for review within 60 days as provided in Section 53-5-704(15).

 

R722-300-7. Application for a Temporary Permit to Carry a Concealed Firearm.

(1)(a) In order to obtain a temporary permit an applicant must submit a completed permit application packet to the bureau as provided by R722-300-4.

(b) In addition, the applicant must provide written documentation to establish extenuating circumstances which would justify the need for a temporary permit to carry a concealed firearm.

(2) When reviewing an application for a temporary permit to carry a concealed firearm the bureau shall conduct the same background investigation as provided in R722-300-4.

(3)(a) If the bureau finds that extenuating circumstances exist to justify the need for a temporary permit, the bureau shall issue a temporary permit to the applicant.

(b) The temporary permit shall be mailed to the applicant at the address listed on the application.

(4) If the bureau finds that the applicant is otherwise eligible to receive a permit under Section 53-5-704, the bureau shall request that the applicant surrender the temporary permit prior to the issuance of the permit under Section 53-5-704.

 

R722-300-8. Application for a LEOJ Permit.

(1)(a) In order to obtain a LEOJ permit under Section 53-5-711, an applicant must submit a completed permit application packet to the bureau as provided by R722-300-4.

(b) In addition, the applicant must provide written documentation to establish to the satisfaction of the bureau that:

(i) the applicant is a law enforcement official or judge as defined in Section 53-5-711; and (ii) that the applicant has completed the course of training required by Subsection 53-5-711(2)(b).

(2) When reviewing an application for a LEOJ permit the bureau shall conduct the same background investigation as if the individual were seeking a permit.

(3)(a) If the bureau finds that the applicant meets the requirements found in Subsection 53-5-711(2), the bureau shall issue a LEOJ permit to the applicant.

(b) The LEOJ permit shall be mailed to the applicant at the address listed on the application.

(4)(a) If the bureau finds that the applicant does not meet the requirements found in Subsection 53-5-711(2), the bureau shall mail a denial letter to the applicant, return receipt requested.

(b) The denial letter shall state the reasons for denial and indicate that the applicant has a right to request a review hearing before the board by filing a petition for review within 60 days as provided in Subsection 53-5-704(15).

 

R722-300-9. Termination of LEOJ Status.

(1) When the bureau receives notice that a LEOJ permit holder resigns or is terminated from a position as a law enforcement official or judge, the LEOJ permit will be revoked and the bureau shall issue a permit, pursuant to 53-5-704, if the former LEOJ permit holder otherwise meets the requirements found in that section.

(2) If a former LEOJ permit holder gains new employment as a law enforcement official or judge, the bureau shall re-issue a LEOJ permit.

 

R722-300-10. Suspension or Revocation of a Permit to Carry a Concealed Firearm, Concealed Firearms Instructor Certification, or a LEOJ Permit .

(1) A permit may be suspended or revoked for any of the following reasons:

(a) the bureau determines that the permit holder does not meet the requirements found in Subsection 53-5-704(2);

(b) the bureau determines that the permit holder has committed a violation under Subsection 53-5-704(3); or

(c) the permit holder knowingly and willfully provided false information on an application for a permit, or a renewal of a permit.

(2) An instructor certification may be suspended or revoked for any of the following reasons:

(a) the bureau determines that the instructor has become ineligible to possess a firearm under Section 76-10-506 or federal law; or

(b) the instructor knowingly and willfully provided false information to the bureau.

(3) A LEOJ permit may be suspended or revoked for any of the following reasons:

(a) the bureau determines that a LEOJ permit holder is no longer employed as a law enforcement official or judge; or

(b) a LEOJ permit holder fails to provide proof of annual requalification by November 30 of each year as required by Section 53-5-711.

(4)(a) If the bureau suspends or revokes a permit, an instructor certification, or a LEOJ permit, the bureau shall mail a notice of agency action to the permit holder, instructor, or LEOJ permit holder, return receipt requested,

(b) The notice of agency action shall state the reasons for suspension or revocation and indicate that the permit holder, instructor, LEOJ permit holder has a right to request a review hearing before the board by filing a petition for review within 60 days as provided in Section 53-5-704(15).

 

R722-300-11. Review Hearing Before the Board.

(1)(a) Review hearings before the board will be informal and shall be conducted according to the provisions in Section 63G-4-203.

(b) At the hearing, the bureau must establish the allegations contained in the notice of agency action by a preponderance of the evidence.

(2) Upon request, an applicant, permit holder, instructor, or LEOJ permit holder who is seeking review before the board is entitled to review all the materials in the bureau's file upon which the bureau intends to use in the hearing.

(3) In accordance with Section 63G-4-209 the board may enter an order of default against an applicant, permit holder, instructor, or LEOJ permit holder who fails to appear at the hearing.

(4) Within 30 days of the date of the hearing the board shall issue an order which shall:

(a) state the board's decision and the reasons for the board's decision; and

(b) indicate that the applicant, permit holder, instructor, or LEOJ permit holder has a right to appeal the decision of the board by filing a petition for judicial review within 30 days as provided in Section 63G-4-402.

 

R722-300-12. Records Access.

(1) Information provided to the bureau by an applicant shall be considered "private" in accordance with Subsection 63G-2-302(2)(d).

(2) Information gathered by the bureau and placed in an applicant's file shall be considered "protected" in accordance with Subsections 63G-2-305(9).

(3) When a permit has been issued to an applicant, the names, address, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of the applicant are protected records pursuant to Section 53-5-708.

 

KEY: concealed firearm permit, concealed firearm permit instructor

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: 2010

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Title 53 Section 5 Part 7