BOISE, Idaho – A bill that would allow school employees to carry concealed weapons on school property cleared the Idaho House Wednesday and is on its way to the Senate.
House Bill 415 defines school employees as district staff, teachers, counselors, teacher’s aides, coaches, volunteers, bus drivers, etc.
It allows any of them with a concealed carry license to carry a concealed weapon on school property.
They need to disclose that to the principal and superintendent, but they are not required to disclose that to the school board.
As it stands today, Idaho law states that teachers are allowed to have a concealed firearm, so long as it’s approved by the school board.
This bill would override the need for their approval.
“Under the current bill, the school district has no say in setting regulations, or training requirements,” said Neil Uhrig, Chairman of the Post Falls school board. “Basically, the teacher comes in and says ‘I’m going to be armed,’ and we can’t interact and discuss what’s the best way to do that.”