In a 58-9 vote, the House passed a Senate bill that would change the state’s disaster preparedness act by forbidding closures of gun related businesses during emergencies.
As with similar declarations by governors throughout the country during the recent pandemic, Idaho Governor Brad Little (R) issued a temporary stay at home order in nearly 2020.
Like other orders, Governor Little’s order carved out exceptions for businesses considered essential while closing those that were considered non-essential.
While gun businesses were considered essential under Governor Little’s order, Idaho’s Legislature felt compelled to protect that decision in the future.
“This is an essential bill to protect our citizens’ Second Amendment rights,” says Representative Judy Boyle who sponsored the bill in the House.
“It recognizes the reality that self defense is an absolutely essential business, and it protects lawful gun owners from illegitimate and unconstitutional seizures under false pretenses by an overreaching government.”
In addition to preserving the rights of gun stores to operate, the bill protects legal gun owners.
Under the bill, government agencies will be forbidden from circumventing the state’s concealed carry law, prevents legally used guns from being seized during emergencies, and clarifies laws regarding ammunition, components and accessories.
The bill was passed by the Senate earlier this month in a 30-5 bipartisan vote. It now heads to the desk of Governor Little for signature.
