**Urgent Notice ** Proposed Rule Changes
The Division has proposed several changes to the Concealed Firearm Permit Rule (R724-4) that will directly impact all firearms instructors. Utah law requires the Division to notify all "interested parties" thirty days in advance of the date that the proposed rules would go into effect. Interested parties are given the thirty day period to offer comment on the proposed rule changes. In this case the proposed rules may go into affect on January 3, 2001. Comments on the proposed rules must be submitted to BCI in writing and be received no later than January
2, 2001.
Comments should be submitted to:
The Bureau of Criminal Identification
c/o Nathan Smith
3888 W. 5400 So.
Box 148280
Salt Lake City UT 84114-8280.
A brief summary of the proposed rule changes is as follows. First, a new section (R724-4- 15) will be added to prohibit the wearing of unauthorized badges by permit holders and firearms instructors. Wearing any badge or identification or making any statements that imply affiliation with Federal, State or local governmental entities will be prohibited. A second change will add a requirement that all firearms instructors be residents of Utah. Next, the proposed rule would require firearms instructor applicants to submit a photocopy of identification with their application. Finally, a provision would be added to require firearms instructors to re-certify every two years at a cost of $5.00. The provision for re-certification will be helpful to the Division for the purpose of keeping the training guidelines current. It will also allow the Division to ensure that all instructors continue to be eligible to possess firearms by requiring a new background check every two years during the re-certification process.
A full text of the proposed changes to Administrative Rule R724-4 are available upon request from BCI. Contact Nathan Smith by phone 801.965.4552, fax 801.965.4749 or email nsmith@dps.state.ut.us for a copy of the proposed rules.