Committee sends bill to allow retired law-enforcement instructors to teach enhanced concealed-carry classes to House floor

BOISE — The House State Affairs Committee voted to send House Bill 48 to the full House with a "do pass" recommendation after proponents said the bill would allow retired law-enforcement instructors to continue teaching the legal portion of enhanced concealed-weapon courses.

Representative Charlie Shepherd, who introduced House Bill 48, told the committee, "What this bill does is it gives the ability for retired law enforcement instructors to continue instructing after they no longer work for a department." Shepherd said the change responds to a need for more qualified instructors for the enhanced concealed-carry course.

The bill drew public testimony from two instructors. Amy Georges, owner of American Freedom Defense, told the committee the firearms-training portion of the enhanced class "is all dictated by Idaho Code" and can be taught by non-law-enforcement instructors, but the legal instruction must be provided by an attorney or an Idaho peace officer holding an intermediate or advanced certificate. Georges said local sheriffs interpret the phrase "holding a certificate" inconsistently across the state and that the bill would provide consistent application.

Jim (last name not provided), a retired law-enforcement instructor who said he continues to hold an instructor certificate through Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training, described classroom testimony drawn from real incidents. "The experienced law enforcement officer can relay what that feels like and the after the incident is extremely important," Jim said, adding that his real-world experience helps students understand use-of-force consequences.

Representative Achilles moved to send House Bill 48 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. After no discussion, the committee took a voice vote. "All in favor signify by saying 'aye.'" The chair recorded the motion carried.

Committee members who questioned the bill focused on certification pathways for non-law-enforcement instructors. Representative Pohanka asked how non-law-enforcement instructors obtain certification; Shepherd and witnesses said other venues, including NRA or USCCA courses, provide alternate certifications but are not as in-depth as law-enforcement training.

The committee noted there was no negative testimony during the hearing. The bill will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.