PA Bill Number: HB335
Title: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons.
Description: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons. ...
Last Action: Removed from table
Last Action Date: May 1, 2024
State (Idaho) overhaul to concealed weapons takes effect :: 07/31/2015
A revamped concealed weapons law took effect in Idaho earlier this month, but Blaine County law enforcement officials say they’re not expecting much of an effect from it.
The new law makes it legal to carry a concealed weapon outside city limits without a permit, along with allowing permits for people who have had disqualifying criminal convictions expunged or pardoned, or had judgments withheld.
Blaine County Sheriff Gene Ramsey said there’s anywhere from 600 to 1,000 gun owners with active concealed weapons permits in the county.
“People who apply for concealed weapons permits are responsible,” Ramsey said. “They value that concealed weapon permit. I have no issues with issuing these permits. But those who don’t comply, I have no sympathy for.”
Ketchum Police Chief Dave Kassner said he didn’t believe the changes to the law will yield significant impacts on the city of Ketchum, even with the stipulation that people can carry a concealed weapon outside of city limits without a permit.
“It’s been relatively low-key,” Kassner said. “That’s really the extent of our dealing with concealed permits over the years.”
Sun Valley Police Chief Walt Femling agreed.
“I don’t see any impact in the city of Sun Valley at all,” Femling said. “We have not had any issues with that so far.”
The debate in the Legislature drew some controversy—changes to gun laws typically do—but lawmakers stopped short of legislation that would have created “permitless carry.” That proposal, backed by the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, would have ridded the state of the requirement to have permits before allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons.
Under already existing state law, residents are allowed to carry firearms without having to get permits so long as the firearm is visible. Greg Pruett, president of the alliance, argues that it’s therefore not that big of a step to allow permitless concealed carry. He compared it to people with holstered guns on their hips putting on jackets, and thus having to have a concealed weapons permit, when they wouldn’t have needed one with the gun visible.
“They didn’t do enough,” said Pruett, whose group opposed the bill passed by the Legislature, House Bill 301.
The bill for permitless carry, House Bill 89, did not receive a committee hearing.
Legislators instead focused on HB 301, which was backed by the National Rifle Association. The NRA and other supporters said it was intended to clarify existing law, and keep gun owners from “unwarranted prosecution and excessive fees.”
Prior to July 1, residents could have concealed weapons outside city limits without permits for the purposes of hunting, target competitions or other outdoor activities. Now they can do so for any purpose.
According to the new law, county commissioners can’t determine fee schedules for concealed weapons permits; instead the total for a new or enhanced license is $62.45, while the total for renewing a license is $37.70, Ramsey said.
Pruett said some counties are continuing to charge more than $100 for a permit, and his group and the Idaho Freedom Foundation have highlighted the discrepancy, considering the new law’s requirements. The new law also allows residents who have disqualifying convictions expunged or set aside, or had a withheld judgment after completing probation and other requirements, to obtain concealed weapons permits.
That drew concern from the Idaho Sheriffs Association, and Executive Director Vaughn Killeen wrote in commentary in the Idaho Statesman that this was potentially dangerous.
“Bad judgment is what got them into trouble,” Killeen wrote. “Now, HB 301 will reward them with the ability to carry a concealed gun while they continue to experiment with their judgment.”
Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, also argued in opposition to the bill.
“I remain concerned that the bill allowing the carrying of concealed weapons without a permit outside of city limits didn’t fully define those boundaries,” Stennett wrote in a newsletter at the conclusion of the legislative session in April. “There may be a perception that this would only impact rural Idaho but the reality is unincorporated areas include shopping malls, stadiums and other densely populated areas.”
In response to Killeen, the NRA asserted state and federal law still prohibits dangerous people and criminals convicted of disqualifying offenses from owning or possessing firearms.
“Simply put, if an individual is ineligible to purchase or possess a firearm under state or federal law, he or she will be ineligible to obtain an Idaho concealed weapons license,” the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action said.
Pruett said he intends to resurrect the effort behind the failed HB 89 next year. He said he’s been fascinated watching the debate over gun laws evolve in recent years in the Legislature.
“Last year, it all came to a head,” Pruett said. “They passed this 301. There was a lot of anger and frustration. They wouldn’t even give House Bill 89 a hearing. I think 2016 is a good year. It’s an election year.”
