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There are at least 180 firearms and ammunition makers in Idaho, and the state is looking for more.After all: Idaho is a gun-friendly state. Why not encourage gun manufacturers to come in and set up shop?

Friday Rally Will Celebrate New Idaho Conceal Carry Law

Samantha Wright
/
Boise State Public Radio

The group that helped get a new law passed that allows Idaho residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit will celebrate with a rally Friday in Boise.

The Idaho Second Amendment Alliance spent four years pushing for the change that goes into effect July 1. The Idaho Legislature passed the law earlier this year. In the past, Idahoans had to pass a class, pay a fee and pass a background check in order to get a permit to conceal carry. Now, with a few exceptions, almost anyone can carry conceal a gun or other weapon without a permit.

Alliance Executive Director Greg Pruett says even though the new law doesn’t require it, he encourages people to get training and know the law before they carry.

“Even though we’re gun owners and we love the Second Amendment...it’s important that people are responsible gun owners and that responsibility is an individual responsibility and that’s what we will emphasize and have always emphasized," says Pruett.

He says anyone with questions about the new law is invited to the 5 p.m. rally across the street from the Idaho Statehouse. Pruett says the rally is a chance to celebrate and educate people about the new law.

He’s hoping those who disagree with the group or have questions about permit-less carry, or who are afraid of guns, will attend.

“I would invite anyone to come and just talk to us and see that we’re regular Idaho citizens and we just happen to enjoy our Second Amendment rights and we believe in protecting those at all costs,” Pruett says.

The group’s attorney will also be on hand to talk about restrictions on concealed carry that still apply under the new law.

Find Samantha Wright on Twitter @samwrightradio

Copyright 2016 Boise State Public Radio

As Senior Producer of our live daily talk show Idaho Matters, I’m able to indulge my love of storytelling and share all kinds of information (I was probably a Town Crier in a past life!). My career has allowed me to learn something new everyday and to share that knowledge with all my friends on the radio.

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