The Idaho House shot down a bill preventing those found guilty of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning a gun.
The legislation would have prohibited people convicted of domestic violence from having guns by making it a misdemeanor for anyone who has been convicted within the last two years of assault or battery against a household member to possess a firearm.
The proposal would have applied to people already prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing a firearm. Idaho has no corresponding state law.
“This was a heart-breaking vote for the hundreds of domestic violence victims all over Idaho who live in fear every day," Wintrow said. "This common-sense legislation would have given them some much-needed hope and security. A lot of Idahoans lost a battle today, but we will continue the fight. This legislation is too important to give up on.”
Opponents argued people could be unnecessarily stripped of their right to own a gun granted by the Second Amendment.
Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have passed similar legislation.
The bill failed on a 31-39 vote in the Idaho House.
