Idaho: Campus Carry Legislation to be Heard Friday!

This Friday, March 25, the Senate State Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 222. Last week, with strong support from pro-gun members, the Idaho House passed HB 222 by a 41 to 28 vote, with one vote absent.  There has been a lot of vocal opposition to this self-defense bill so it is critical that our voices are heard and committee members know how important this legislation is to all Idahoans.

This important self-defense legislation would allow for the lawful carry of a firearm on a college or university campus for self-defense, as long as the individual is not restricted from legally carrying a firearm by any state or federal law.  While this bill would also grant authority to a college and university to restrict firearms in undergraduate housing, opposition continues to argue that law-abiding permit holders cannot be trusted to carry a firearm on campus. 
Even with the concession to allow universities to restrict firearm possession in undergraduate housing, Governor Butch Otter (R) continues to publicly express concerns with this bill. It is important that you contact him today and express the importance of this legislation and respectfully request his support.  Should this legislation reach Governor Otter’s desk, it is important that Idahoans have made it clear that this legislation is too important and should not be vetoed.

Please contact Governor Butch Otter and the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB 222 and Idahoans right to self-defense.

Governor Butch Otter

E-mail

(208) 334-2100

Senate State Affairs Committee:

Senator Curt McKenzie (R-12), Chairman

CMcKenzie@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1326

Senator Russell Fulcher (R-21), Vice Chairman

RFulcher@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1340

Senator Bart Davis (R-23)

BDavis@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1305

Senator Brent Hill (R-34)

BHill@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1300

Senator John McGee (R-10)

JMcGee@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1304

Senator Patti Anne Lodge (R-13)

PALodge@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1319

Senator Chuck Winder (R-14)

CWinder@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1354

Senator Michelle Stennett (D-25)

MStennett@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1353

Senator Edgar Malepeai (D-30)

EMalepeai@senate.idaho.gov

(208) 332-1406

Shooters:

Good news! After 4 1/2 hours of testimony spread over two days H222 passed out of committee on an 11-8 vote. University administrators tried to derail this legislation with all the typical anti-gun rhetoric about concealed carry being “too dangerous” to be allowed on college campuses. By creating a “no guns” policy they believe they have made campuses “safe”. In support of the bill,  professors, staff, and students all stood up for the right of people to defend themselves from violent predators whether on campus or off.

Our friends at the Fraternal Order of Police offered strong testimony in support to counter the statements of police administrators regarding law enforcement response to violent attacks.

We carried the day but we still need help: please contact your state Representative and ask them to support H222 as it moves to the floor as early as Monday.

As always, any questions please contact me.

Mike

Michael C. “Mike” Brown

Executive Director/General Counsel

Idaho Sport Shooters Alliance

208 835-3737

208 835-3744 Fax

www.idahossa.org

P.S. Thank you to all of you who have re-affiliated  with IDSSA for 2011. If you haven’t done so yet please take a moment and go to our website for a form. We depend on your financial support to continue the fight for the expansion of firearms rights in Idaho.