Poll Finds Idaho Voters Oppose the Dismantling of State’s Concealed Carry Permitting Process as Proposed by HB 301
Everytown for Gun Safety and the Idaho chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Safety in America released a poll today revealing that an overwhelming majority of Idahoans support a concealed carry permitting system and are opposed to dismantling basic safety measures that would do away with the state’s existing permit process. The poll comes as Idaho legislators are poised to vote on House Bill 301, which would erode existing protections aimed at preventing dangerous people from carrying loaded, hidden weapons in public places.
The poll, which surveyed 718 Idaho voters and was conducted by SurveyUSA for Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, found that more than 80 percent of Idahoans strongly support the current permitting process and believe permit holders should undergo certain training requirements. The poll also found that 57 percent of Idahoans strongly support training requirements, with another 25 percent indicating general support for the requirements. The poll further found that nearly half (49 percent) of Idaho voters would be more likely to vote against a candidate who supported permitless carry.
HB 301 would allow Idaho residents in more than 90 percent of the state to carry hidden, loaded weapons without being subject to any safety check or training. It would also continue an exemption for elected officials across the entire state—meaning the legislators who wrote and voted on the legislation would put themselves above the law and not subject to the same rules as the citizens of Idaho.
“It’s clear from this polling that Idahoans want to retain the common-sense standards already in place that help ensure dangerous people aren’t able to carry concealed, loaded guns in public,” said Leslie Madsen-Brooks, a volunteer with Idaho’s chapter of Moms Demand Action. “It would be deeply disappointing if our elected leaders disregarded the concerns of Idaho voters and passed a bill that increases the risk of a gun getting into dangerous hands.”
Other states have considered permitless carry this year, but even in other states with high gun ownership like South Dakota, West Virginia and Montana, this type of legislation was defeated or vetoed.
About Everytown for Gun Safety
Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 2.5 million supporters and more than 40,000 donors including moms, mayors, survivors, and everyday Americans who are fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and help save lives. At the core of Everytown are Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a grassroots movement of American mothers founded the day after the Sandy Hook tragedy. Learn more at www.everytown.org and follow us @Everytown
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of American mothers fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 2.5 million members and more than 40,000 donors. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand
