A House Democrat made one final attempt Monday to pass “Lauren’s Law,” a bill designed to prevent people from loaning out their guns negligently.
But the legislation, named in memory of slain University of Utah student Lauren McCluskey, failed to gain traction in its second committee hearing of the session as lawmakers concluded it could lead to harsh punishments for well-intentioned firearm owners.
Rep. Andrew Stoddard, the sponsor of HB190, said he’ll be back next year with the legislation to make it easier for crime victims and their families to sue the owner of a firearm used in violent felonies such as a murder, rape or aggravated assault.