Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding prohibited conduct.
Summary
House Bill 621 amends Idaho’s concealed weapons law, specifically Section 18-3302C of the Idaho Code, to revise the list of places where a person with a concealed weapons license, or a person carrying concealed under the referenced statutory exception, may not carry a concealed deadly weapon. The bill continues to prohibit concealed carry in courtroom portions of a courthouse, juvenile detention facilities or jails, and public or private schools, while preserving existing exceptions for peace officers, security personnel, and persons authorized by the entity controlling the building or facility.
The bill also retains the prohibition on knowingly providing false information on an application for a concealed weapons permit. In addition, it defines “courtroom portions of a courthouse” to include not only the courtroom itself, but also judges’ chambers, witness rooms, jury deliberation rooms, attorney conference rooms, prisoner holding cells, court clerks’ offices, probation and parole offices, and adjoining corridors. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027.
Impact
This bill updates Idaho Code section 18-3302C governing prohibited conduct for concealed weapon license holders and others carrying concealed under the statute. Its main legal effect is to clarify and expand the statutory definition of “courtroom portions of a courthouse,” which may affect where concealed weapons are barred inside courthouse facilities and how law enforcement, court administrators, and permit holders interpret compliance obligations. It also preserves the misdemeanor penalty for violations and leaves the existing school, jail, and juvenile detention facility restrictions in place.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had generally favorable support in the House, passing third reading by a 54-10 vote. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate to indicate detailed public testimony or committee concerns. The vote margin indicates broad, though not unanimous, support for the measure.
Contention
The likely points of contention involve firearm policy and the scope of gun-free areas in courthouses and schools. Supporters would likely view the bill as a clarification of existing restrictions and a safety measure for sensitive government and educational spaces, while opponents may object to continued or expanded limits on concealed carry rights or to the breadth of the courthouse definition, which reaches adjacent offices and corridors. The 10 dissenting House votes suggest some legislative resistance, though the record provided does not identify the specific arguments or members involved.