Idaho bill to allow guns in schools introduced

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

An Idaho bill would make it legal for anyone with an enhanced concealed carry permit to possess a firearm on public school grounds.

Rep. Chad Christensen (R-Ammon), the legislator behind HB203, told the Idaho Statesman that he sees schools as soft targets, since they are gun-free zones. The bill would make it state law that anyone with an enhanced permit could carry in Idaho public schools, and would prevent administrators from asking permitted people if they’re armed or disciplining those who do carry.

To obtain an enhanced concealed carry permit, Idahoans must complete a day-long, hands-on gun safety course, according to the Statesman. 

“The biggest concern is the safety of people’s children,” Christensen told EastIdahoNews.com regarding why he drafted the bill. “That’s my biggest concern.”

Safety seemed to be the main concern for those who packed the Statehouse Feb. 26 to oppose HB203. The Statesman reported that many were from Moms Demand Action, a gun-control advocacy group. Elana Story, leader of the group’s Idaho chapter, said she feared lawmakers weren’t doing their “due diligence” in proposing the bill.

“This is a very dangerous bill and they’re not consulting with the people most impacted,” Story told the Statesman.

The bill is garnering bi-partisan concern. A hearing is not yet scheduled.