Idaho Rep. Joe Palmer, R-Meridian, told the House State Affairs Committee that just a handful of states currently recognize Idaho's concealed weapons license.

His legislation, introduced Monday, would allow them to be recognized in more than 30 states.

According to the state attorney general, Idaho has reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

Those applying for the enhanced permit would take part in an eight-hour course that features training in self-defense principals. It also would require live-fire training of at least 98 rounds.

Similar to Idaho's original concealed weapons permit, the enhancement license would cost $20 and have a $15 renewal fee.

Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, told The Associated Press last week that she hopes making additional training necessary to obtain an enhanced permit could convince Idaho school boards to allow people to carry concealed weapons in schools.

Even with a permit, concealed weapons are banned from courthouses, juvenile detention facilities, adult correctional facilities, prisons, jails and schools.

Federal law prohibits gun owners from carrying a weapon in places such as federal courthouses and airports.

Those applying for a concealed weapons permit in Idaho now must either complete a less-intensive hunting or training course or simply prove prior experience and competency with a firearm, such as military service.

The bill will get a public hearing before the committee in the coming weeks.

New permits would let Idahoans carry guns in many other states.