BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A measure that would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to carry a concealed weapon without a permit throughout Idaho has moved forward in the Legislature.
People 21 and older already have that right in Idaho. But that law, passed in 2016, excluded 18- to 20-year-olds from carrying a concealed handgun within the limits of any city unless they have a conceal carry permit. Under the legislation, that exception would go away.
The House State Affairs Committee voted 13-2 to send the legislation to the House floor, with all the Republicans on the committee and Rep. Elaine Smith, a Pocatello Democrat, voting in favor. Only Reps. John Gannon and Brooke Green, both Democrats from Boise, opposed it.
Before the vote, the committee held a short hearing, with just three members of the public weighing in. All three testified in favor of the measure, including 16-year-old Adrik Fisher from Mountain Home.
“Constitutional rights should not be denied to law-abiding adults based on age or location,” Fisher told the committee.
Idaho law requires people to be at least 21 to buy a handgun from a federally licensed gun dealer or retailer, but 18-year-olds can privately purchase or be given guns.
Gannon questioned whether the legislation would essentially eliminate the need for concealed carry licenses.
Rep. Christy Zito, a Republican from Hammett who is co-sponsoring the measure, said licenses would still help people who want to carry concealed weapons in other states, because some have license reciprocity agreements with Idaho.
