With state assemblies and legislatures in full swing this first week of February, here’s a look at some of the more interesting firearms-related measures that have been introduced, moved forward or died in committee in recent days.

   What has become a perennial effort aimed at requiring prospective buyers at Virginia gun shows to undergo criminal background checks before buying a firearm from a private seller was killed in committee last week.

   HB1234, sponsored by Del. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), was defeated 4-1 by a House Militia, Police and Public Safety subcommittee. Similar measures have died in the same panel in recent years.

   On Friday, the Utah House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee OK’d a bill clarifying that the legal carrier of a concealed weapon may reveal it or mention it in an effort to keep a quarrel from escalating.

   The measure now heads to the full House for consideration.

   Rep. Stephen Sandstrom (R-Orem) sponsor of HB78, said the measure could help stop fights before they start and keep gun carriers from feeling they must point a weapon at an aggressor.

   Last week, the New Mexico Senate Corporations and Transportation committee voted 8-1 to advance Senate Bill 40, which would allow those with valid concealed carry permits to bring their guns into restaurants or bars that serve alcohol. The measure now moves to the full Senate.

   Another bill of interest in New Mexico would eliminate the current requirement for a two-year refresher course for those successfully passing the state’s safety requirement and receiving a permit valid for four years.

   In Indiana last week, the House of Representatives voted 85-11 to prohibit public access to the database containing the names and addresses of Hoosiers who possess a valid concealed carry permit. The measure was the direct result of the controversy in 2009, when two newspapers obtained the database and made it available to their readership.

   House Bill 1068 now moves to the Senate, where a similar bill has already passed.

J.R. Absher