A new bill under consideration in the Idaho legislature would allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons in the state without a permit.
Greg Pruett told a House panel that lawmakers don’t have to have a permit for their concealed weapons. He wants the same right extended to all citizens.
Pruett is the president of the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, the group behind the bill.
Democratic Rep. Elaine Smith of Pocatello asked Pruett if passage of the bill would mean people wouldn’t have to have any training to carry a concealed firearm.
“You will find that most gun owners in the state of Idaho are very responsible, especially those who carry,” Pruett replied. “Technically, yes they would not have to go through any sort of formal training.”
But Pruett argued the government shouldn’t tell citizens when they’re well enough trained to defend themselves.
The bill would not change who is prohibited from owning firearms in Idaho. Nor would it change the “enhanced permit” requirement to carry a concealed weapon on Idaho university campuses.
Members of the House committee voted along party lines to introduce the bill, with Republicans for, Democrats against.
Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Vermont and Wyoming allow concealed carry without a permit, also known as Constitutional Carry among gun rights advocates.
