Idaho guns-on-campus debate turns to economic impact

BSU says the law would take a toll on events; backers disagree

BY BRIAN MURPHY - [email protected]

Copyright: © 2011 Idaho Statesman

BSU says the law would take a toll on events; backers disagree

Boise State could lose its ability to host musicians like Elton John and its claim to hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue from events like the NCAA men’s basketball tournament if a bill allowing guns on college campuses earns final approval in the Idaho Legislature, school officials contend.

But the law’s sponsors disagree — arguing there are ways to work around any potential issues and that the Idaho Constitution leaves little wiggle room in the regulation of firearms.

House Bill 222, which passed the Idaho House on Wednesday and moves now to the Senate, would strip colleges and universities of the current right to ban firearms on their campuses, except in undergraduate dormitories. Boise State, the University of Idaho, Idaho State, several community colleges and the State Board of Education have all objected.