Idaho: Support S.E.C.U.R.E. Idaho Campuses

Today, the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee voted to consider a bill that aims to achieve a Safer Environment for College and University Residents and Employees (S.E.C.U.R.E.) on Idaho campuses.  The legislation, Senate Bill 1254, introduced by 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.  However, this legislation would give universities discretion to prohibit qualifying individuals from carrying within a student dormitory or residence hall and a public entertainment or sporting facility with a seating capacity of more than 1,000 persons.

In order for a retired law enforcement officer to obtain a license under 18-3302H, the applicant must: (1) have retired in good standing; (2) have been regularly employed as a peace officer for fifteen years or more; (3) have been provided the statutory powers of arrest before retirement; (4) completed training for a concealed carry license within the last twelve months; and (5) not be prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.

In order to obtain an “enhanced” concealed carry license under 18-3302K, applicants must: (1) be 21 years of age or older; (2) be a legal resident of Idaho for at least six consecutive months; (3) provide fingerprints and submit to a state and federal criminal and mental health background check; (4) complete a qualifying handgun course, including instruction on safe and responsible use of handguns, instruction on Idaho firearms law from a licensed member of the Idaho Bar, and live fire training of at least 98 rounds; and (5) not be prohibited by either federal or state law from possessing a firearm.

SB 1254 is an important step forward in protecting students and faculty on campus through lawful exercise of the Second Amendment.  Uniform laws, regulations and policies regarding firearms and weapons on state college and university campuses are necessary for public safety, and, as such, serve to advance a substantial public interest. The NRA encourages you to call, e-mail or utilize social media to show your support for S.E.C.U.R.E. Idaho campuses.  Contact information for your state legislators can be located here.  Ask your state Senator to support SB 1254 today!