House legislation addresses gun issues

The tragic grade school shooting in Newton, Conn., resulted in a renewed interest nationally on the issue of gun control and the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The Obama Administration and members of Congress have been pursuing attempts to further restrict gun ownership and sales in reaction to some that are advocating more strict control of firearms in order to prevent instances similar to the shooting that occurred in Connecticut.

Members of the Idaho Legislature have received significant input from Idaho citizens concerned with possible national gun control measures that would be enacted that would impact our second amendment rights. In reaction several pieces of gun control legislation are being considered. Some of this proposed legislation has not been made public but there are three House bills that have been printed and will be before the Legislature for consideration.

House Bill 192 (H192) provides for an enhanced concealed weapon permit which will allow Idahoans to carry a concealed weapon in at least 39 states. The permit will require additional training over that which is now required for a permit just for use in Idaho. It will require at least 8 hours of face to face training that cannot be substituted by electronic instruction or other instructional means. It also includes live fire training that includes firing at least 98 rounds by the student. The training also has to be conducted by an active licensed member of the Idaho state bar or a law enforcement officer who “possesses an intermediate or higher Idaho peace officers standards and training certificate.” These training requirements are only a part of the training requirements and other conditions required in the legislation before a permit is issued. This legislation only applies to those who want an expanded concealed weapons permit that is recognized by most other states. In absence of wanting the expanded permit Idaho citizens can still obtain a level one concealed weapons permit that is legal in Idaho but doesn’t cover the majority of other states. H192 passed the House on February 28 and will now be before the Senate for consideration

House Bill 183 (H183) removes language in Idaho code section 50-308 that grants cities “the power to regulate, prevent and punish “those who carry concealed weapons”. This legislation makes clear that only the legislature can regulate firearms. Other provisions in the code that enable the cities to maintain peace within their jurisdiction remain in force. H183 also passed the House on February 28 and is now on the Senate side for consideration

House Bill 229 (H229) provides that, among other conditions, “a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Idaho and that remains within the borders of Idaho is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, special taxation or confiscation” and that since these items have not traveled in interstate commerce they are not subject to the authority of congress to regulate under its commerce power.”

There are at least two additional draft pieces of legislation dealing with the gun control issue that is expected to be introduced in committee next week and if accepted by the committee will become public and placed on the legislative website.

I and other legislators have been receiving numerous emails daily from constituents interested in the gun issue and as a result I anticipate additional legislation will be introduced in the next few days. The gun control issue will be dealt with over the next few weeks remaining in the session and I am sure that we will see legislation passed aimed at reinforcing the second amendment.

I welcome and encourage comments from home on legislative activities; my email address is geskridge@house.idaho.gov and the toll free number to reach me in Boise is 1-800-626-0471.

You can also follow the legislature at www.legislature.idaho.gov