‘Firearms Freedom’ bill passes House, 52-17

The House has voted 52-17 in favor of HB 589, St. Maries Rep. Dick Harwood’s “Firearms Freedom Act.” The bill, which now moves to the Senate, seeks to declare guns or ammunition manufactured in Idaho exempt from all federal laws and regulation, including registration requirements. Harwood told the House that the Idaho Attorney General opined that the bill is unconstitutional, but its intent is to force a Supreme Court case that backers hope will limit the scope of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, said, “Let’s move this forward, let’s put the federal government’s back to the wall and ask them to explain why they need to get into commerce between myself and a family member.”

Harwood, questioned about the cost of such a court fight, said, “What it will cost you if we do not challenge this, it’s going to cost you more of your freedom.” He said five states now have passed similar bills, and an Alaska measure has passed one house; overall, 26 states are considering such moves.