IDAHO GUN LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023

A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF IDAHO’S GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)

Over the last ten years, Idaho’s gun laws have undergone notable changes that reflect the state’s commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights and promoting responsible firearm ownership. From concealed carry to background checks, these developments have aimed to balance individual freedoms with community safety. This article offers an in-depth overview of the key advancements in Idaho’s gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, presented in bullet points:

2013 – Enhancement of Concealed Carry Laws:

   – Idaho strengthens its concealed carry regulations, allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit within city limits.

2014 – Guns on Campus Legislation:

   – The state enacts a law allowing individuals with an enhanced concealed carry permit to carry firearms on public college and university campuses.

2015 – Background Checks for Private Sales:

   – Idaho introduces legislation requiring background checks for private firearm sales at gun shows, aiming to ensure responsible transfers.

2016 – “Constitutional Carry” Enactment:

   – Idaho becomes the ninth state to adopt “Constitutional Carry,” allowing legal firearm owners to carry concealed without a permit.

2017 – Enhanced Stand Your Ground Law:

   – Idaho revises its “Stand Your Ground” law, granting individuals immunity from criminal prosecution when using justifiable force in self-defense.

2018 – Age Limit for Handgun Purchases Lowered:

   – The minimum age for purchasing handguns is lowered from 21 to 18 years old, aligning with federal age restrictions.

2019 – School Safety Legislation:

   – Idaho introduces laws allowing certain school employees to carry concealed firearms on school grounds, contingent on proper training.

2020 – Firearm Preemption Law:

   – Legislation is passed to strengthen state preemption laws, preventing local jurisdictions from enacting firearm regulations that exceed state laws.

2021 – Enhanced Background Checks for Concealed Carry:

   – Idaho introduces measures to enhance background checks for concealed carry permit applicants, focusing on mental health history and criminal records.

2022 – Open Carry Regulations:

    – The state considers potential regulations on open carry, sparking discussions on the balance between personal rights and public safety.

2022 – Enhanced Mental Health Reporting:

    – Idaho improves the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by prohibited individuals.

2023 – Firearm Training Requirements:

    – Legislation is introduced to enhance firearm training requirements for concealed carry permit applicants, focusing on responsible gun ownership and firearm handling skills.

2023 – “Red Flag” Law Consideration:

    – Idaho explores the implementation of “red flag” laws, allowing law enforcement and family members to request temporary firearm removal for individuals showing signs of danger.

2023 – Firearm Storage Recommendations:

    – Proposed legislation aims to encourage responsible firearm storage practices through educational campaigns and voluntary guidelines.

Idaho’s gun laws have evolved in the past decade, reflecting the state’s dedication to upholding Second Amendment rights while fostering responsible firearm ownership. From “Constitutional Carry” to enhanced background checks and discussions on “red flag” laws, these changes underscore Idaho’s commitment to balancing individual liberties with community safety. As the state continues to navigate the landscape of firearm regulation, it remains crucial for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions that preserve both individual freedoms and the well-being of the community.

Idaho gun laws do not require the the registration of firearms. Also, the provisions of law in Idaho do not require that owners of firearms be licensed in order to own them.

Individuals seeking to purchase handguns do not need to acquire a permit to do so, and can readily purchase rifles, shotguns, and handguns at any certified or registered firearms dealer. The main requirement to purchase firearms under Idaho gun laws is that the person be aged at least 18 years, and be subject to passing a FBI-sanctioned background check through the National Instant Check System, also known as NICS.

Minors under the age of 18 are able to purchase firearms only if they can provide written consent signed by a parent or legal guardian. It is considered, under Idaho gun law, illegal to provide minors under the age of 16 with ammunition–shells or gunpowder–for the exception of rounds or shells to be used in shotguns or rifles and only up to a .22 caliber. This transaction of ammunition also requires the written consent of a parent or guardian as well.

There is no permit or license required for the possession of firearms, but Idaho gun laws do require a license to carry concealed weapons.  Though there may not be any permits needed, Idaho law do have possession restrictions. Any person that has a prior conviction to a felony charge is not allowed to possess any firearms. Minors under the age of 18 may have in their possession a rifle or shotgun only with the written permission of a parent or guardian. It is unlawful for a minor to be in possession of a hand gun.

A concealed weapon is defined by Idaho gun law as a weapon being carried on person physically, whether it is on their person or in a container of any kind, where it can be easily accessed by the person for use; it is also considered a concealed weapon if the firearm is not easily visible when being carried. Applicants for a concealed weapons license must be over the age of 21 and a legal resident of the United States. Applicants may be considered as ineligible if they fit any of the following junctures or criteria:

     Conviction in a crime in which a jail sentence of over one year is served.

     Abuse of illegal drugs, controlled substances, and/or alcohol.

     A dishonorable discharged from the military.

     Under an order of restraint.

     Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of a violent nature within the past three years from the date of the application.

The application of the license is submitted to the director of the Idaho State Police, in which a fingerprinting is required for first-time applicants. The director of the state police also has the discretion of issuing a license for concealed weapons to individuals between the ages of 18 to 21, if such applicants provide an undeniable necessity to carry a concealed weapon.

It is important to note that a concealed weapons license is not necessary if a person in possession of a concealed weapon is outside of the border limits of cities and/or towns.