Yesterday, Governor Butch Otter (R) signed into law House Bill 301, legislation which ensures law-abiding Idahoans are protected from unwarranted prosecution and excessive fees for merely wishing to exercise their right to carry concealed weapons in accordance with Idaho law. HB 301 passed the state Senate on March 31 with an overwhelming 30-5 vote margin after passing the House of Representatives with a 57-11-2 vote.
As previously reported, the purpose of this legislation is to re-codify existing law in a manner that provides Idaho residents and law enforcement officials with clear and unambiguous guidance on the rights and restrictions contained in the provisions of Idaho Code regulating the carrying of concealed weapons.
The NRA believes that this re-write of 18-3302 accomplishes the stated goal in four major ways. First, HB 301 provides definitions for commonly used diction. Second, this legislation—where possible—places statutory provisions in list format, as opposed to the burdensome paragraphical format that is currently used. Third, the proposed re-write seeks to clarify provisions pertaining to carrying of concealed weapons outside the “limits or confines of any city.” Fourth, the legislation seeks to lower CWL fees by providing that the sheriffs may only charge $20.00 plus the actual cost of administering the license.
Thank you to Governor Otter as well as all the state legislators who voted in support of House Bill 301. Please contact Governor Otter and thank him for supporting this important concealed carry reform legislation. This success would not have been possible without your phone calls and emails throughout this legislative session! You can reach Governor Otter at (208) 334-2100 or send him a message here.