Bill Halting Idaho Lawmen from Taking Citizen’s Guns on Otter’s Desk

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill that seeks to pre-empt a hypothetical gun-seizing order from the federal government cleared its last hurdle when it won unanimous backing in the House Wednesday. Rep. Jason Monks, a Meridian Republican, says the measure will protect Second Amendment rights by punishing Idaho law enforcement officers who seize citizens' firearms. It's aimed at counteracting the chance President Barack Obama will try to restrict gun ownership, something Monks says is at odds with Idaho law. Idaho officials who order confiscation of firearms could face fines or misdemeanor charges under the measure. Officers wouldn't be barred from taking guns away from felons. The bill has already passed the Senate, where a similar measure died last year. It will now land on Gov. C.L." Butch" Otter's desk for signing.