Idaho politicians working to loosen gun laws on college campuses have run into an unexpected roadblock: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Idaho State University runs facilities licensed by the NRC that conduct nuclear physics research for a broad range of applications. On Friday, Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter said that university officials believe a bill currently under consideration in the Idaho Legislature could jeopardize that work under their interpretation of NRC regulations governing nuclear material and rules affecting Department of Energy employees who conduct research on campus. ISU is home to the Idaho Accelerator Center, the Research and Innovation in Science and Engineering complex and a research reactor.
The Idaho State Journal in Pocatello reported that the Idaho Senate recently voted 25-10 to pass a bill that would allow people with permits to carry concealed guns on college campuses. Otter later said he believes the bill will be considered further in light of the licensing issue, but he declined to say whether he would veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.