NIC trustees oppose bill to allow guns on campus

North Idaho college trustees voted tonight to oppose a state bill to allow concealed firearms on Idaho public college campuses under certain circumstances. The trustees voted 4-1 to oppose the bill sponsored by Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa. The dissenting vote was from Trustee Todd Banducci, president of Falcon Investments & Insurance, Inc. in Coeur d’Alene and a major in the Air Force Reserves. Like most colleges, NIC bans firearms on campus, either concealed or open carry. The Senate State Affairs Committee, which has rejected similar bills in past years, voted Monday to introduce the legislation. The bill seeks to override campus gun bans for retired law enforcement officers and people who have Idaho’s new enhanced concealed carry permit. That permit requires more rigorous training then the state’s regular concealed weapon permit. Concealed weapons still would be prohibited in dormitories or residence halls, and in large entertainment venues with seating for 1,000 or more. The bill also adds to an existing law that makes it a crime to carry a concealed weapon while under the influence of alcohol or an intoxicating drug. NIC officials plan to testify against the bill in Boise.