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MuellerBadener,
Since your daughters are under the age of 18 and are not allowed to possess handguns, you might want to provide them with other carry options to protect themselves (e.g., knife, taser, mace, baton, etc.). However, you should be aware that this gets into more of a "gray area" under the law.
The UT legislature has reserved to the state all authority to regulate firearms and provide for uniform firearms laws under UC 53-5a-102 and UC 76-10-500. This preempts any ability for counties or municipalities to regulate firearms. The same preemption protections do not apply to other "dangerous weapons." There might be municipal codes which prevent minors from possessing/carrying such weapons.
Furthermore, exactly what constitutes a "dangerous weapon" is somewhat ambiguous under the law - UC 76-10-501(5):
(5) (a) "Dangerous weapon" means any item that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. The following factors shall be used in determining whether a knife, or any other item, object, or thing not commonly known as a dangerous weapon is a dangerous weapon:
(i) the character of the instrument, object, or thing;
(ii) the character of the wound produced, if any;
(iii) the manner in which the instrument, object, or thing was used; and
(iv) the other lawful purposes for which the instrument, object, or thing may be used.
(b) "Dangerous weapon" does not include any explosive, chemical, or incendiary device as defined by Section 76-10-306.
For the most part, minors are allowed to possess dangerous weapons under state law - UC 76-10-509:
76-10-509. Possession of dangerous weapon by minor.
(1) A minor under 18 years of age may not possess a dangerous weapon unless he:
(a) has the permission of his parent or guardian to have the weapon; or
(b) is accompanied by a parent or guardian while he has the weapon in his possession.
(2) Any minor under 14 years of age in possession of a dangerous weapon shall be accompanied by a responsible adult.
(3) Any person who violates this section is guilty of:
(a) a class B misdemeanor upon the first offense; and
(b) a class A misdemeanor for each subsequent offense.
So, if your daughters are between the ages of 14-18, they may carry dangerous weapons without you present, but they will still need your permission. They should carry a letter signed by you expressly citing the above section of UC and stating that they have your permission to carry. Please note that there are some places which are definitely off limits while carrying these weapons (primarily, school grounds - UC 76-10-505.5). In addition, while OCing such items is one thing, CCing dangerous weapons is another story - UC 76-10-504(1)(a):
76-10-504. Carrying concealed dangerous weapon -- Penalties.
(1) Except as provided in Section 76-10-503 and in Subsections (2) and (3):
(a) a person who carries a concealed dangerous weapon, as defined in Section 76-10-501, which is not a firearm on his person or one that is readily accessible for immediate use which is not securely encased, as defined in this part, in a place other than his residence, property, or business under his control is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Without a UT permit to carry a concealed firearm, your daughters MAY NOT conceal carry any other dangerous weapons. You should check with a local attorney and your police department to determine if a pocket knife, taser, mace, baton, etc. would be considered a "dangerous weapon" which they could not carry concealed.
Here in AZ, there's basically no restriction on what a person may carry with a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP). I personally prefer to carry a C2 Taser, Fox Labs "Mean Green" pepper spray, and a good quality pocket knife along with my firearm. An ASP 21" baton is also a nice option.
:celebrate
- Mike S.