On Wednesday, March 15, the Senate Judiciary Committee refused to pass Senate Bill 1441, legislation that would strengthen Idaho’s current self-defense laws by providing civil immunity to a person who has used justifiable force in self-defense. Sponsored by Senator Joyce Broadsword (R-02) and Senator Melvin Richardson (R-32), this important piece of legislation was, instead, sent to the Senate Floor for amending, where opponents are expected to modify the bill. Please contact your State Senator and ask him or her to oppose any amendments that would open the door for criminals to bring lawsuits against their victims.
House Bill 686 has passed the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee and is advancing to the Senate floor. HB 686, sponsored by State Representative Bill Sali (R-21) and State Senator Gerry Sweet (R-20), helps protect non-profit hunting and shooting sports organizations in Idaho. Please take a moment to call them to let them know you are a constituent and you support HB 686. Also, please contact your State Senator and ask him or her to vote in favor of HB 686 and SB1441 with no amendments! Messages for your State Senator may be left at (208) 332-1000 or (800) 626-0471 for citizens outside the Boise area. E-mail your State Senator by clicking on their name at the following link http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/senate/membership.cfm.
The following three Senators are members of the Local Government and Tax Committee and voted “NO” on HB 686. Please take a moment to call them to let them know you are a constituent and you support HB686.
Chairman Hal Bunderson (R-14)
Senator Tim Corder (R-22)
Senator Joe Stegner (R-7)
Please contact your State Senator and ask him or her to vote in favor of HB 686 and SB1441 with no amendments!
Messages for your State Senator may be left at (208) 332-1000 or (800) 626-0471 for citizens outside the Boise area.
E-mail your State Senator by clicking on their name at the following link: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/senate/membership.cfm
If you need help identifying your State Senator or for further contact information please use the "Write Your Representative" feature found at http://www.nraila.org/
Further Information on HB 686:
HB 686 prevents the imposition of taxes on shooting range fees and membership dues charged by non-profit hunting and shooting sports organizations. According to a recent interpretation of the Idaho State Administrative Code by the Idaho State Tax Commission, all gun clubs and shooting ranges in the state are required to collect sales tax on fees charged for access to their ranges.
Additionally, in the opinion of the Commission, if the membership dues that a club charges its members allow the club member to access the range, then those membership dues are subject to taxation as well. One club in the Boise area recently found this out the hard way when they were audited and required to pay back taxes plus interest for the last three years. HB 686 would exempt non-profit organizations from such taxation.
The National Rifle Association believes this is sound public policy because these are clubs or groups that provide a public service; places to learn and practice the safe and competent use of firearms; most provide educational opportunities and safety courses and many provide facilities for law enforcement training and/or practice. The non-profit organizations this bill would shelter are not in existence to turn a profit but solely to provide services that even those who don't like firearms should agree are critical.
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