Bill pre-empts local gun bans

BOISE – The Legislature has passed a bill that pre-empts local governments from banning firearms.

The House voted 60-9 on Wednesday to prevent cities, counties and other divisions of local government from passing ordinances on most aspects of firearms, including the sale, acquisition and possession of guns.

Cities and counties would keep the right to regulate the discharge of weapons.

The Senate has already passed the measure. It’s now ready for Gov. Butch Otter’s signature.

When first introduced, the proposal stripped universities and colleges of their authority to regulate guns on campus.

That provision was removed from the bill.