Boise, Idaho • Legislation lowering from 21 to 18 the age limit for carrying a concealed handgun within city limits in Idaho without a permit or training has been signed into law by Republican Gov. Brad Little.

Little signed the law Tuesday backers say is needed to align gun laws in urban areas with rural areas where those 18 and older can already carry a concealed handgun.

Backers say the change will protect law-abiding citizens from accidentally breaking the law when they travel across a county and enter city limits.

Opponents say there’s a big difference between rural Idaho and urban Idaho and not allowing persons age 18 to 20 to carry a concealed handgun is reasonable to prevent accidental shootings and shootings resulting from altercations.