SB1389 – The Reelection Gun Bill We Should Support

After multiple permit-less carry bills were introduced through the Idaho House and Senate this year, it seems there is, finally, one bill that has a chance for a vote.

Senate Bill 1389 was introduced this week by Senator Curt McKenzie (R-Nampa) after the disaster of SB1378 was put to rest.

SB1389 has the support of the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance (ISAA) and it’s founder Greg Pruitt, not because it has everything that they want, but because it is not actually taking away any resident’s rights, as did SB1378.

The new bill does allow 18-20 year olds to retain the rights they currently hold, such as the right to carry without a permit outside of the city limits.

It also gives them the ability to obtain a permit to conceal carry inside the city limits, with that extending to an ‘enhanced’ carry permit upon their 21st birthday.

Many residents are disappointed that HB422, introduced by Rep Heather Scott (R-Blanchard) and Rep Ron Nate (R-Rexburg) early in the session was denied a hearing, as they believe that bill reaffirms the most rights to citizens.

However, knowing it is an election year, it is clear that the only chance of permit-less carry in Idaho is to allow the good old boys club to attach their name to a bill, along with the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Needing the support of the NRA to gain their reelection, it was important to the Legislative Hierarchy to turn this into a lobbyist bill by including their name within the legislation.

The NRA is well known as no friend to Idaho, however they need to justify their existence by having their name actually written into our legislation. This is unfair to every other group, and citizen, in our state.

If we ever obtained true Constitutional Carry in this country, then there would be no need for the NRA to even exist, and they would fold like a bad poker hand.

In the meantime, we will take a baby step towards our goals. We have a bill that most of the legislators will approve, and there will be some permit-less carry in Idaho.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 14, 2016, at 8:00am, for SB1389. The ISAA is asking everyone that can attend to please mark your calendars.