Utah lawmakers are weighing a legislative proposal to expand firearm restrictions for individuals deemed mentally incompetent or found not guilty by reason of insanity, a debate intensifying following a January 22, 2026, shooting at a Kearns church that left one person dead and two others injured. The proposed House Bill 0086 seeks to broaden the legal definition of restricted persons to include those undergoing mental health evaluations, regardless of whether they have committed a felony.
Proposed Legal Amendments
The legislative push for House Bill 0086, titled 'Restricted Person Amendments,' centers on modifying existing laws under Utah Code Section 76-11-303. The bill proposes to include individuals who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity or deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial for any criminal offense, effectively expanding the criteria for firearm restrictions beyond those who have committed felony offenses. Under the current framework, the law focuses primarily on felony convictions, but the new amendments would emphasize broader mental health considerations in regulating access to dangerous weapons.
Arguments for Public Safety
Proponents of the bill argue that the changes are a necessary step toward improving community safety. Supporters contend that expanding the definition of restricted persons to include those with serious mental health concerns—even without a felony record—could prevent access to firearms for individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others. The legislation aims to address individuals who may not have committed serious crimes yet may pose a risk if in possession of dangerous weapons due to their mental health status.
Legislative History
The debate over the bill has revealed significant contention within the legislative community. While supporters emphasize the potential for enhanced public safety through mental health-based regulations, the bill has faced opposition. The legislative process for HB0086 has seen several shifts during the 2026 Regular Session. The bill was introduced on January 20, 2026, and moved through several stages, including being referred to committees and receiving report passes in late January and early March. However, the bill faced a setback when it failed on March 6, 2026.
Kearns Shooting Context
The context for this legislative debate is underscored by a violent incident at a Kearns church on January 22, 2026. The shooting, which resulted in one fatality and two injuries, has served as a backdrop for discussions regarding how mental health status and firearm access intersect in Utah law. Criminal case files from the Third District Court in Salt Lake County maintain records of individual criminal cases tried in the region, which include the various documents filed with the court pertaining to specific cases such as those arising from the Kearns incident.
Future Legislative Outlook
As the 2026 Regular Session progresses, the future of House Bill 0086 remains a point of focus for lawmakers. The bill's ability to modify Utah Code Section 76-11-303 depends on whether the legislature can reconcile the arguments for expanded mental health-based restrictions with the opposition to broadening the scope of restricted persons beyond felony convictions.
