Bill description: HB 199 would clarify the laws concerning carrying concealed weapons.

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Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

HB 199 would clarify several provisions in Idaho’s concealed weapons statute to ensure that individuals are not unwittingly charged with committing a crime. Under current law, it is illegal to conceal a deadly weapon within the limits of a city. Deadly weapons include knives larger than 4 inches, any firearm, or another device that is manufactured or intended to be used to cause harm. There are several exceptions in this law for firearms, however, such as if an unloaded firearm is concealed in a motor vehicle or in a case. HB 199 would extend these exceptions to all deadly weapons, and not just firearms. So, for example, someone could put a six-inch hunting knife in the trunk of a car, drive the car through a city, and not violate the law. Additionally, HB 199 would make certain that any person who can legally conceal a handgun could also legally conceal other deadly weapons in the same manner, provided they follow all applicable laws.

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HB 199 would also change the threshold at which a knife is classified as a “deadly weapon,” increasing it to six inches from the current four inches. Many knives sold online and at retailers are greater than 4 inches, which classifies them as deadly weapons under current law. Making this change would ensure that individuals are not caught up in a violation of the law for carrying around a large pocket knife.

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