1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

Say "No" to H621 Concealed Weapons in Courthouses: This bill was declared as having no financial impact, yet information gathered and shared in today's committee hearing on this bill by Rep. Bingham (R), confirmed 25 counties out of 44 reported their estimated costs to upgrade their facilities, and the total for just those 25 counties, was $36M, if this bill becomes law. Further issues with this bill in relation to S1430, is the sponsors (Rep. Mitchell, Rep. Harris) stated courts would determine details on how to handle this bill within their own operations, but yet that's in direct conflict with S1430's Preemption, which passed the House Committee 1 minute before hearing H621 - and this ambiguity contributed to forwarding this bill to General Order today, onto the House Floor for further debate. Additionally, the sponsors did not contact the Trial Court Administrators who oversee courthouse operations, to determine how this bill would affect the courts, prior to presenting this bill. We all know courthouses are extremely sensitive areas, through custody evaluations and hearings, tax issues, court filings, they contain prosecutor offices, holding cells, attorney Conference Rooms, jury deliberation rooms and more - ALL locations where emotional distress is high. Adding concealed weapons to that mix escalates potential dangers. Family members of victims and the accused, or family members in custody battles are often in close proximity within hallways and waiting areas, creating the potential for deadly confrontations if weapons are allowed within courthouses. Security officers who are responsible for protecting everyone within their buildings, do not need this additional layer of oversight, in a building where foot traffic is constant and often significant in volume. Studies show aggravated assaults increase in public buildings where weapons are allowed. Judges depend on safety for themselves, their staff and citizens within courtrooms - but this bill eliminates that, as without the investment of additional security measures at the entrance of each courtroom door, it's impossible to guarantee a weapon is not in a courtroom. It's important to note, this bill was introduced a few days after Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Bevan spoke in the House Gallery, about increased violent threats against judicial staff across the country. Title: Vote "No" on bill h621