Senate panel clears two concealed weapons bills

Two House-passed bills dealing with concealed weapons won approval from the Senate State Affairs Committee this morning, the AP reports. The first, HB 293, is designed to make Idaho’s concealed weapons permit valid in more states, by creating a voluntary, “enhanced” permit requiring more traing. The second, HB 223, exempts the carrying of knives with up to 4-inch blades, tasers, stun guns, pepper spray and cooking knives from concealed weapon permit requirements. Rep. Pete Nielsen, R-Mountain Home, said he decided to pursue changes in the statute after his son was cited for illegally concealing a four-inch knife under his car seat. Both bills now move to the full Senate.