Last night, Senate Bill 1254, legislation to secure Idaho’s public college or university campuses, was signed into law by Governor Butch Otter (R). In his signing letter, Governor Otter stated, “I support the Legislature’s determination that the burden of proving the necessity for [constitutional protections] falls not to the citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights, but rather to any who would seek to limit them.”
The NRA thanks Governor Otter for signing this important self-defense bill into law. SB 1254, sponsored by state Senator Curt McKenzie (R-13), will permit qualified retired law enforcement officers and law-abiding adults who have obtained an Idaho “enhanced” concealed carry license to possess a firearm on public college or university campuses. SB 1254, an essential step toward protecting students and faculty on campus, was supported by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Idaho Sherriff’s Association. The specific provisions of SB 1254 ensure that responsible, law-abiding individuals with enhanced training are able to carry a firearm for self-defense while on a public college or university campus. SB 1254 passed in the Idaho Senate by a 25-10 vote on February 18 and passed in the Idaho House of Representatives by a 50-19 vote on March 6. This legislation will take effect on July 1, 2014.
We would like to especially thank the following individuals without whom passage of this bill would not have been possible:
Senator Curt McKenzie (R-13), Senate sponsor
Representative Judy Boyle (R-9), House sponsor
Representative Christy Perry (R-11), House sponsor
The NRA also thanks our members for their active involvement and support for this important legislation. Your e-mails and phone calls made the difference!