The Senate has voted 34-0 in favor of SB 1332, legislation from Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens, to penalize officials who knowingly and willfully order Idaho law enforcement officers to seize guns or ammunition under a federal order or law, in violation of the Idaho Constitution. “Can we do this? Yes,” Vick told the Senate. “We can do this and we should.”

The measure is the latest version of one that failed last year to criminalize Idaho police officers who enforce federal gun laws; this one would go after their supervisors, instead, and would impose a civil penalty on first offense, and misdemeanor penalties for repeat offenses. “It’s a high standard,” said Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa. The bill also includes a clause saying it wouldn’t affect any agreements with federal law enforcement on gangs or drugs. Vick noted that the bill is supported by the National Rifle Association, along with the Fraternal Order of Police, the Idaho Sheriffs Association, and several sheriffs. It now moves to the House side.