Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter signed into law a bill that allows gun owners to carry a concealed weapon inside city limits without a permit.
The measure is lauded by gun enthusiasts, and easily cleared the Legislature. In his signing, however, Otter stated concerns and issued a warning.
"I am concerned about its lack of any provision for education and training for individuals who choose to exercise the right to concealed carry," wrote Otter. "Such a safeguard would seem to be a part of the Second Amendment's 'well-regulated' standard. What's more, the addition of a simple training requirement in the bill could have addressed the concerns of our valued law enforcement leaders and others who cherish both the shooting culture and the safety of shooters and non-shooters alike."
Otter continues: "In the absence of such a provision, I encourage anyone considering concealed carry to take advantage of gun safety training opportunities available from many reputable sources throughout Idaho. I also encourage the Legislature to monitor the exercise of this new law and respond appropriately when and if the lack of a statutory education and training requirement undermines public safety."
Certain gun enthusiasts have encouraged those wanting to carry concealed weapons get a license for reciprocity in other states. Some public areas, like college campuses, will still require an enhanced concealed carry license in order to carry a concealed gun.
