In 2014, the Legislature enacted HB 134, Firearm Safety Amendments, to create a program aimed to reduce suicide by firearm through education and safety. The program was subject to sunset review on July 1, 2018. 

In 2016, the Legislature passed HB 440, which required the state suicide prevention coordinator to commission a study on suicide and guns. The study was completed by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in October of 2018. Based on the data and analysis of the 2018 study, the Health and Human Services Interim Committee recommended the first iteration of this bill to reenact and modify the 2014 program. 

The bill charges the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), in coordination with the Department of Health and local mental health and substance abuse authorities and organizations, with reviewing and updating a safety brochure on suicide and firearm safety. The first substitute also requires the BCI and Division to create a short online video for those renewing a firearm permit to provide information about safe handling and use of firearms in home environments, at-risk individuals and those legally prohibited from possessing firearms, and suicide prevention awareness. 

Under the bill, the Division must continue to procure and distribute cable-style gun locks to gun dealers to provide to purchasers of guns at no cost. Additionally, the bill provides for a redeemable coupon for Utahns to purchase a gun safe.