Two conservative lawmakers have put forward a concealed carry bill, but it may not be the only option for lawmakers to consider.
Reps. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, and Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, have published a personal bill expanding permit-less concealed carry of firearms. It removes the requirement for a permit inside city limits. However, it stops short of allowing concealed carry on private property. Nate says the provision helps gun owners in rural Idaho who may travel through towns.
"For example if I drive down to Idaho Falls to go to Sam's Club or something, I drive through Rexburg city limits, i drive through Rigby, through Ucon, through Idaho Falls," said Nate. "If my loaded weapon is in the glove box without a permit I'm violating the law four times without even knowing it."
Nate said the bill was introduced as a personal bill because he wasn't guaranteed a print hearing. He says a group of lawmakers, unofficially known as the gun caucus, are writing their own bill that will likely be heard later in the session.
