BOISE, ID – A new bill introduced in the Idaho House of Representatives seeks to expand the ability of school employees to carry concealed firearms on school property, aiming to enhance security and response times in active shooter situations. House Bill 273, presented by Representative Ted Hill, revises existing laws to allow trained school employees to be armed, provided they meet specific training and certification requirements.
Addressing the ‘Soft Target’ Problem
During the legislative session, Rep. Hill emphasized that schools remain “soft targets” for violent attacks, comparing them to past incidents in churches before many implemented armed security. He noted that despite increased physical security measures, attackers have found ways to breach schools, sometimes shooting through locked doors.
Hill pointed to historical mass shootings, such as the 2018 Parkland attack and the 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting, as tragic examples of why an immediate, armed response is necessary. “If you take four schools at the same time, police can’t respond fast enough,” Hill stated, adding that law enforcement response times typically range between 6 and 12 minutes. “The best way to solve this problem is to have armed guards, but that costs $120 million across the state. What do you do? You leverage a resource: teachers.”
Training Requirements for Armed Staff
HB 273 establishes a framework for teachers and school staff who wish to carry concealed firearms. To qualify, they must either possess an enhanced concealed carry permit or undergo up to six days of training through Idaho’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program.
The bill also mandates scenario-based training, requiring participants to fire approximately 1,500 rounds during the course. This level of training, according to Hill, is comparable to what sheriff’s deputies receive. Additionally, employees must undergo periodic range qualifications twice a year to maintain their certification.
“It’s not just about how well you shoot at the range,” Hill explained. “It’s about how well you perform in a high-stress scenario. Police understand that—how do you shoot when you have to shoot? That’s the real test.”
Liability and School Board Authority
Under the proposed law, school boards would retain the ability to set training requirements but could not outright ban employees from carrying if they meet the state’s standards. This provision sparked debate among legislators, with some questioning whether school boards should retain more control. Hill countered, arguing that school boards have historically “usurped” the Second Amendment by enforcing gun-free zones, leaving schools vulnerable.
“We’ve allowed a separate city-state to operate, where the rules change once you cross the school line,” Hill asserted. “This bill says: no more gun-free zones. That’s ridiculous. That’s why we’re in this mess.”
The bill also clarifies that armed teachers will not be required to disclose their status to the public. While school administrators and local law enforcement would be notified, the confidentiality of armed staff is seen as an additional deterrent. “If attackers believe teachers could be armed, it changes the entire complexion of what we’re talking about here,” Hill argued.
Next Steps for HB 273
The bill has now been introduced and will face a full hearing where lawmakers will debate its merits and potential amendments. Given Idaho’s strong gun rights culture, the legislation has the potential to pass, but not without significant discussion over training costs, school board authority, and liability concerns.
“We need to lean into this problem,” Hill concluded. “Everyone wants to sit back and hope nothing happens. That’s not good enough.”
Stay tuned to USA Carry for updates as HB 273 moves through the legislative process.
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