Idaho Senate backs right to carry guns on campus

UPDATED March 7, 2014: The Idaho House passed a bill allowing concealed guns to be carried on state college campuses on Thursday. The legislation was supported by a 50-19 vote and now heads to Gov. Butch Otter for his signature. 

Public colleges and universities in Idaho can no longer make their own rules when it comes to guns on campus. 

The Idaho Senate voted Tuesday to grant college students the right to possess firearms on school grounds. It passed with a vote of 25-10 and guarantees one's Second Amendment right over the existing gun regulations of public universities.

The bill exempts dormitories and indoor venues seating more than 1,000 people and requires possession of Idaho’s new enhanced concealed weapons permit to carry a gun on campus. The permit is given to individuals 21 and over, and to those who have completed an eight-hour training course. 

The legislation is expected to pass in the House and be signed into law by Gov. Butch Otter, who has already expressed support.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Curt McKenzie (R-Nampa), defended the legislation: