CARRY: Why SB1389 works

The Idaho Senate and House passed SB1389, because the law shouldn’t be a trap for the unwary.

Idaho has always allowed law abiding citizens to conceal carry firearms outside city limits without a permit. But current law makes it a crime for a citizen with a concealed firearm to cross the invisible line into a city or town. Ironically, if that weapon was carried openly — which could make some people uncomfortable — the move from county to city would be legal. That is not good policy.

The Permitless Concealed Carry bill (SB 1389) makes weapons carry laws consistent across the state. The bill extends the right to conceal carry without a permit from the counties to include cities for law-abiding citizens over the age of twenty-one, who are not legally barred from possessing a firearm. All law-abiding citizens eighteen and over retain the right to conceal carry outside city limits without a permit. Idaho will join many states that have already passed similar laws: Vermont, Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, Kansas, Maine, and West Virginia. The sky hasn’t fallen in those states. It won’t fall in Idaho.

Because it is good policy, SB1389 is supported by our front line police officers and by our elected sheriffs. The Idaho Sheriff’s Association voted to support SB1389. The Fraternal Order of Police, the largest police organization in Idaho, supports SB1389 because, “law abiding, mentally sound and responsible gun owners are our partners in keeping crime rates low in Idaho.” While criminals will always find ways to possess and carry weapons regardless of restrictions, we should pass laws that protect the rights of lawful citizens to protect themselves and their families.

SEN. CURT McKENZIE

R-Nampa