Be sure to click the link to read the details.
Idaho remains one of the strongest Second Amendment states (permitless/constitutional carry since 2016 for those 18+, no magazine limits, broad preemption, no red flag laws, strong reciprocity, etc.), so activity focuses on refinements, expansions, and safeguards rather than restrictions.
Key Bills
– House Bill 621 (HB 621) (“Concealed carry courthouse clarification”): Provides clarifying language to existing statutes (e.g., Idaho Code § 18-3302J or related) stating that prohibitions on firearms in courthouses apply only inside actual courtrooms/court facilities, not the entire building or complex. This addresses local governments’ broad interpretations banning carry in courthouse buildings/areas.
– Assigned to the House State Affairs Committee but stalled without a scheduled hearing as of early March 2026.
– Supporters are urged to contact committee members for a public hearing to advance it, describing it as essential to protect lawful carry rights under the Second Amendment and Idaho Constitution.
– House Bill 573 (HB 573) (“Enhanced licenses to carry concealed weapons – instructor amendments”): Amends Idaho Code § 18-3302K to expand who can provide the required instruction on Idaho firearms law and deadly force for enhanced concealed weapons licenses (which offer reciprocity in ~38 states and NICS bypass). It allows certified instructors from the NRA or equivalent organizations (with at least 8 years of experience teaching approved courses) to qualify, broadening access beyond prior limits.
– Introduced early February 2026, passed the House, advanced to the Senate (introduced/read first time February 16, 2026, referred to State Affairs), and appears to have progressed toward law (some sources note it became law or was on track).
– Senate Bill 1349 (SB 1349) (“Machine guns – contingent authorization”): Adds new sections to Idaho Code (e.g., § 18-3328 and § 18-3329) creating a “trigger” framework: If federal restrictions on machine guns (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) are repealed, invalidated by courts, or otherwise unenforced, Idaho would automatically authorize law-abiding citizens and in-state industry to possess, manufacture, transfer, and sell machine guns (subject to other state laws). It also prohibits state/local enforcement of invalid federal restrictions and includes findings/intent affirming the Second Amendment and Idaho Constitution.
– Introduced March 2, 2026; printed/referred to Senate State Affairs March 3, 2026.
– Positions Idaho as a leader in firearms freedom if federal NFA/Hughes Amendment changes occur; no authorization for prohibited persons or misuse.
Other Notes
– Fee increases for concealed carry licenses/background checks (fingerprint-based) took effect January 1, 2026, but these stem from prior legislation/administrative changes, not new 2026 bills.
– No major restrictive bills (e.g., red flag/ERPO, bans, or new limits) have advanced; prior attempts failed.
– NRA-ILA described the session as expecting firearms-related legislation (January alert) and highlighted HB 621 as a priority for clarification to prevent local overreach.
The session is active (no adjournment yet as of March 13, 2026), so statuses could evolve—e.g., hearings, floor votes, amendments, or gubernatorial action.
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