Foreman advocates for fewer gun restrictions

Idaho Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Viola, wants to eliminate some of the concealed carry restrictions on the state's college campuses and allow non-Idaho U.S. residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit when they are in the Gem State.

He said he plans to introduce both of his ideas to the Legislature during the 2018 session.

As of July 1, 2016, Idaho statute allows residents 21 and older, not disqualified from having a permit, to carry a concealed firearm statewide without a permit. Permitless carry is legal outside city limits for individuals 18 and older and open carry is legal within city limits.

Idaho law permits as of July 1, 2014, qualified retired law enforcement officers and individuals with an enhanced concealed weapon license to carry concealed firearms on public college property, except for student dormitories or residence halls and at public entertainment/sporting facilities with a seating capacity of more than 1,000, according to the University of Idaho's website.

Idaho public colleges and universities advocated against the 2014 law when it was being discussed, but Matt Dorschel, University of Idaho executive director of public safety and security, said there have been no gun incidents on campus since the 2014 law took effect and he does not believe the law has affected safety.

Foreman said Idaho code allows the university to set gun policies, which he thinks is wrong.

"I think citizens who attend our universities should have the same constitutional right, and again, be treated the same way under the law as everybody else," Foreman said. "Why should your constitutional rights change when you set foot on campus, which is funded by public dollars by the way?"

Foreman also questioned why the state requires enhanced concealed carry permits to carry on campus but no permits are needed off campus.

"I know they're concerned about safety and that's a good thing, but you know what, it's time they treated people like adults and acknowledge their constitutional right," Foreman said. "We don't have a gun violence problem around here, which is a misnomer to begin with. People commit the violence, not the gun. We have a good, low crime rate here. We have good people here and it's time to drop all these restrictions and just let people enjoy their constitutional right."

Foreman said he anticipates some resistance against expanding gun rights on college campuses, but he said he believes he and other lawmakers can come up with logical changes to the existing law.

"I think it's time we fully recognize the Second Amendment and Idaho has done a real good job with that, but there's a little room left for improvement and that's all I'm trying to do," Foreman said. "I don't think it will downgrade public safety or cause a problem, quite the contrary. An armed society generally is a peaceful society and besides, it's really not open to debate. It's our constitutional right so until they change the Second Amendment, which I don't think is going to happen anytime soon, we have a right to carry and it doesn't say except on a university campus."

Dorschel said he believes there are more opportunities for accidental firearm discharges than there is for someone to potentially "save the day" by carrying a concealed firearm.

"In general, more firearms on campus represents the potential for a negative impact on safety," Dorschel said.

He said he recognizes the opposing argument that people want to be able to defend themselves and those around them. As a firearm owner, Dorschel said he respects people's rights to carry under the law, as does UI's policy.

Dorschel said the UI offers a firearm storage locker for gun users to store firearms, such as hunting weapons.

While qualified Idaho residents do not need a concealed carry permit to carry in most of the state, out-of-state residents who visit Idaho are required to have a concealed carry permit. Foreman said the state honors other licenses from other states, such as driver's licenses, and he questions why the state's concealed carry laws only apply to law-abiding Idahoans.

"What about the law-abiding Washingtonians or Oregonians, you know?" Foreman said. "Why do we make the distinction that they have to be residents of the state of Idaho. I would just like to see the law uniformly apply to everybody is all."

Foreman said he does not expect much resistance from lawmakers with this proposed legislation.

He said he encourages citizens to be armed.

"It adds to overall public safety," he said. "I think our people are adult enough and responsible enough to handle their Second Amendment right, and those that aren't, they get identified real quick and they suffer the consequences under the law."

Garrett Cabeza can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to gcabeza@dnews.com.