Gun owners scored a major victory yesterday after the Jerome County Commissioners reversed their unlawful ban on firearms in a county building.

The Idaho Second Amendment Alliance had initiated discussions with legal counsel (click here to donate to our legal fund) regarding potential action against the county, following its decision to prohibit firearms in the old courthouse—an administrative building clearly covered by Idaho’s firearm preemption statute. The commissioners had voted unanimously to enact the ban, despite the statute’s explicit protections.

That vote triggered a firestorm of backlash from gun owners across the state, who rightly pointed out that the commissioners had violated Idaho law.

What’s especially troubling is the conflicting legal advice cited by the commissioners. Initially, they claimed their legal counsel had approved the ban. But just last night, they told the public that legal counsel now believes the ban was likely illegal.

So which is it?

Did the commissioners receive bad advice from the same source that now says they broke the law? The public deserves transparency. Who advised them to move forward with a ban that clearly contradicts state statute?

Regardless of the confusion, this incident underscores a glaring flaw in Idaho’s firearm preemption law: there’s no penalty for government officials who violate it.

If a citizen breaks the law, we pay the price. But when government agents do the same, there’s no accountability?

Does that sound fair?

There must be a mechanism to hold government officials accountable when they knowingly or negligently violate the law.

Earlier this year, ISAA introduced legislation to add penalties to the preemption statute—but we were blocked by Senate State Affairs Chairman Jim Guthrie (R–McCammon).

We’re not done.

ISAA will push again next session to strengthen the law and ensure that violations carry real consequences. In the meantime, we’re continuing discussions with legal counsel regarding the Jerome County situation.

Stay tuned. The fight for your rights is far from over, and be sure to watch our recap of the issue below.