Bill lifts firearms restrictions on UTVs

PIERRE — Advances in the design of utility terrain vehicles have inspired a bill that would change the way firearms are handled on UTVs.

Current law says that the only people allowed to have loaded weapons on a snowmobile or off-road vehicle are law enforcement, conservation officers and landowners. All others must have their weapon unloaded and stored in a case.

HB1054 would lift that restriction from utility terrain vehicles. Rep. Mart Duvall, R-Pierre, said design changes mean than drivers no longer straddle the machine and use handlebars. UTVs have now have seating for two or more and steering wheels.

“They’re just like a small pickup,” said Duvall, who noted that hunters are allowed in pickups with loaded shotguns.

Tony Lief, director of the Wildlife Division of the Game, Fish and Parks Department, said the department supports the firearms change for UTVs.

The bill was approved by the committee on a 10-0 vote and placed on the House consent calendar. Consent calendar items are not usually discussed by the full House.