McKenzie, who’s hoping these changes will win his measure favor, also said there’s no evidence pointing to an uptick in gun crimes at schools with similar statutes.

Colorado, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin allow concealed carry on college campuses, while 23 other states – including Idaho – leave it up to the colleges to decide. Twenty-one states ban guns on campus.

There are still questions about how the bill would affect fraternity and sorority houses. These are often not owned by the university or designated as residence halls, even though many are on campus, so it is unclear whether occupants would be allowed to keep firearms in their rooms.

McKenzie said that might be left up to schools to decide.

Reached Monday, Boise State University spokesman Greg Hahn said his school’s current policy bans firearms except in the hands of peace officers, ROTC members during the course of training, and those with prior written permission from the head of campus security.

“We’re really comfortable with the way things are now,” Hahn said. “It’s proven to be a really safe campus.”

Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale and a gun-rights proponent, emphasized the measure’s deterrent factor.