Pro-Gun Bills Become Law in Idaho!

Thanks to the efforts of NRA members across the State of Idaho, who sent thousands of emails and made countless phone calls to State lawmakers, four important bills have become law in the state and a fifth is on the way.

Senator Gerry Sweet (R-20) and Representative Bill Sali (R-21) co-sponsored three NRA-supported bills:

House Bill 686 will protect non-profit shooting ranges and gun clubs from having taxes imposed on their range fees and membership dues;

Senate Bill 1401, “Emergency Powers” legislation, will prevent government officials from imposing restrictions on the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transport, storage, display or use of firearms and ammunition during a disaster emergency; and

Senate Bill 1428, “Right-to-Carry” reform legislation, that extends the concealed weapon license from four to five years and, like driver’s licenses, requires renewal notices be sent out prior to license expiration.  This bill also provides an exemption from the concealed weapon license requirement for a person who possesses a concealed weapon while on property he or she owns or leases.

Senator Skip Brandt (R-8) proposed House Bill 608, legislation that creates an NRA motor vehicle license plate.  This bill has also become law, so look to sign up for a special NRA license plate in the near future.

The fifth bill, Senate Bill 1441, is the “Castle Doctrine” legislation that would provide immunity from civil action for anyone who has used lawful force in self-defense.  Under SB 1441, if a criminal attacks a victim and the victim successfully defends herself and, in the process, injures or kills the criminal, then neither the criminal nor the criminal’s family can obtain a judgment against the victim for damages.  This bill, carried by Senators Mel Richardson (R-32) and Joyce Broadsword (R-2), has passed both the Senate and House and is headed to the Governor’s desk.

Be sure to tune-in to the Friday, April 7, afternoon broadcast of NRA News at www.nranews.com/nra.html.  Senator Gerry Sweet and Representative Bill Sali will be special guests on the show and will be discussing these important bills and how NRA members played a critical role in their passage.  This segment should be on at about 3:15 pm (Idaho time).