76-10-529. Possession of dangerous weapons, firearms, or explosives in airport secure areas prohibited — Penalty.
- (1) As used in this section:
- (a) “Airport authority” has the same meaning as defined in Section 72-10-102.
- (b) “Dangerous weapon” is the same as defined in Section 76-10-501.
- (c) “Explosive” is the same as defined for “explosive, chemical, or incendiary device” in Section 76-10-306.
- (d) “Firearm” is the same as defined in Section 76-10-501.
- (2)
- (a) Within a secure area of an airport established pursuant to this section, a person, including a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm under Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7, Concealed Firearm Act, is guilty of:
- (i) a class A misdemeanor if the person knowingly or intentionally possesses any dangerous weapon or firearm;
- (ii) an infraction if the person recklessly or with criminal negligence possesses any dangerous weapon or firearm; or
- (iii) a violation of Section 76-10-306 if the person transports, possesses, distributes, or sells any explosive, chemical, or incendiary device.
- (b) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to:
- (i) persons exempted under Section 76-10-523; and
- (ii) members of the state or federal military forces while engaged in the performance of their official duties.
- (a) Within a secure area of an airport established pursuant to this section, a person, including a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm under Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7, Concealed Firearm Act, is guilty of:
- (3) An airport authority, county, or municipality regulating the airport may:
- (a) establish any secure area located beyond the main area where the public generally buys tickets, checks and retrieves luggage; and
- (b) use reasonable means, including mechanical, electronic, x-ray, or any other device, to detect dangerous weapons, firearms, or explosives concealed in baggage or upon the person of any individual attempting to enter the secure area.
- (4) At least one notice shall be prominently displayed at each entrance to a secure area in which a dangerous weapon, firearm, or explosive is restricted.
- (5) Upon the discovery of any dangerous weapon, firearm, or explosive, the airport authority, county, or municipality, the employees, or other personnel administering the secure area may:
- (a) require the individual to deliver the item to the air freight office or airline ticket counter;
- (b) require the individual to exit the secure area; or
- (c) obtain possession or retain custody of the item until it is transferred to law enforcement officers.
Amended by Chapter 169, 2004 General Session