BOISE, Id. – The Idaho chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today criticized Gov. Brad Little for signing HB 206, dangerous legislation that will allow 18-20-year-olds to carry concealed, loaded handguns in Idaho cities without getting a permit, or completing gun safety training.
“Gov. Little could have protected Idaho cities by exercising his veto authority, but he chose not to,” said Elana Story, a volunteer with the Idaho chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Most Idahoans support firearm safety and training, and it’s truly disappointing the governor decided not to stand up for the common-sense requirements that this dangerous law will eliminate.”
HB 206 will allow 18-20-year-olds to carry concealed, loaded weapons within city limits and without a permit, lowering the current minimum age of 21. Permitless carry dramatically lowers the bar for who can carry a concealed handgun in public—to include in some cases violent criminals, and people who have no firearm safety training. In this instance, this expansion would also apply to 18-20-year-olds, who commit gun homicides at a rate four times higher than adults 21 and older.
In the vast majority of US states, a person must have a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public. These laws ensure that core public safety standards are preserved when people carry guns in public places. Bills that expand the reach of permitless carry undermine important public safety laws, and allow more people to carry concealed guns in public without a permit or safety training.