BILL: Research doesn't matter

First, let me thank the six senators who voted against SB 1313. Studies have shown that, controlling for all other relevant factors, states that have passed “stand your ground” laws have seen an increase in homicide rates (Hoekstra, 2013; Humphreys et al., 2016, among many others).

Although the link between such laws and an increase in homicides is not clear, one reason suggested is that people engage in violent behaviors that they might have avoided otherwise. That is, what would have been a fistfight becomes a gunfight.

Second, to the 29 senators who voted in favor of SB 1313, I had thought about sending you this information while the bill was still in the State Affairs Committee. However, my 21+ years as an Idaho resident have demonstrated to me that you probably would not have been moved by this research. After many years of writing to my state and national representatives about issues about which I care, I have felt that my concerns didn’t seem to matter much.

Third, and finally, a good friend has told me that it is important to express dissent because you might not realize that it exists. My question to you is: If I had sent you information on the research regarding “stand your ground” laws, would it have made a difference in your deliberations?

VICTORIA C. BRUNO

Hayden