Reps seek to ditch concealed carry law exemption

BOISE (AP) — A dispute that erupted last year when former Republican Rep. Mark Patterson was allowed to carry a concealed weapon even after his permit was revoked has lawmakers trying to change Idaho's guns laws.

Rep. Rick Youngblood, R-Nampa, told House State Affairs Committee members Thursday getting rid of the exemption letting all elected officials carry concealed weapons without a permit would hold officials to the same standard as voters.

The rule came under scrutiny when Patterson's concealed-carry permit was revoked in Ada County for not disclosing on his application he'd pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit rape in 1974.

Because of the elected-official exemption, however, Patterson was allowed to carry a concealed weapon while he remained in office.

He quit in January.

The bill now gets a full hearing.