Bill Description: House Bill 573 would expand who is deemed qualified to teach Idaho law relating to firearms to those seeking an enhanced license to carry a concealed weapon. 

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Does it violate the spirit or the letter of either the United States Constitution or the Idaho Constitution? Examples include restrictions on speech, public assembly, the press, privacy, private property, or firearms. Conversely, does it restore or uphold the protections guaranteed in the US Constitution or the Idaho Constitution?

Idaho law requires those seeking an enhanced license to carry a concealed weapon to attend a course at least 8 hours in duration that includes live fire training, self-defense principles, the basic concepts of the safe and responsible use of handguns, and Idaho law relating to firearms and the use of deadly force.

Currently, the portion of the course related to Idaho law must be taught by “an active, senior or emeritus member of the Idaho state bar” or “a law enforcement officer, active or retired, who currently possesses or possessed at the time of his retirement an intermediate or higher Idaho peace officers standards and training certificate.”

House Bill 573 would amend Section 18-3302K, Idaho Code, to also allow “an instructor certified by the national rifle association, or equivalent, who has instructed an approved course for enhanced concealed carry for at least eight (8) years” to teach the portion of the course related to Idaho law.

This change would expand who is considered qualified to teach this course and could increase access to training for Idahoans seeking an enhanced license to carry a concealed weapon.

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