HOUSE BILL 376 EMAIL TEMPLATE

ITEMS IN ALL CAPS & BRACKETS REQUIRE PERSONALIZATION

Dear Rep/Senator [NAME],

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I work for [NONPROFIT NAME]. I am writing to you today to express my concerns regarding the proposed legislation, H376 ‘Concealed weapons, public property’ which would remove the ability of nonprofits (and for-profits) that rent or lease public property for public events like concerts and performances from restricting firearms from being brought into these events.

[DESCRIBE EVENT THAT YOU HAVE ATTENDED IN A PUBLIC SPACE AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT THAT THE HOSTING ORGANIZATION CAN SET LIMITS AND GOVERN WHAT IS BROUGHT INTO THESE EVENTS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PURPOSES]

Nonprofits and private businesses that rent or lease public property for the purpose of hosting events that bring economic, educational, and cultural vitality to cities and towns across Idaho would be stripped of the right to govern and regulate the safety of their own events.

Currently, a private entity renting public space has the right to govern event regulations like food and beverage that is brought in, attendee codes of conduct, and other aspects related to public safety, including the prohibition of firearms if they deem this to be in the best interest of carrying out a successful and safe event.

If this bill passes in its current form, our ability to host events and concerts that are vital to our community’s economic and cultural landscape will cease to exist, while also having damaging economic effects (e.g. job losses) for small businesses in our community. Nonprofits that lease public property for events that are open to the public know how to best govern those events in ways that engender trust among the public and their attendees while also fostering an environment of public safety.

[I URGE YOU TO VOTE ‘NO’ ON THIS BILL or INSERT SIMILAR SENTIMENT].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your work and dedication to our home state and every Idahoan.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

[YOUR TITLE]

[YOUR ORGANIZATION AND CONTACT INFO]