Idaho Constitutional Law Law News - Idaho Legislature Passes Amendment to Clarify Gun Rights in State Constitution
On June 6, 2026, the Idaho Legislature passed a new amendment aimed at clarifying and solidifying gun rights in the state constitution. The amendment, which was approved by a majority vote in both the House and Senate, seeks to provide more explicit protections for Idaho residents' Second Amendment rights.The amendment states that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, and this provision shall be construed to protect and preserve the right of individuals to possess, carry, and use firearms for self-defense, hunting, recreational and other lawful purposes."Supporters of the amendment argue that it is necessary to provide greater clarity and protection for gun owners in Idaho. They believe that the amendment will help prevent future attempts to restrict or regulate gun rights in the state.Opponents, however, have raised concerns about the potential consequences of enshrining such specific language in the state constitution. They argue that the amendment could limit the ability of the state government to pass common-sense gun regulations in the future.Idaho Governor John Smith has not yet indicated whether he plans to sign the amendment into law. However, he has expressed support for protecting gun rights in the state and has previously indicated that he would be open to signing a constitutional amendment if it had widespread support from legislators and the public.Overall, the passage of this new amendment marks a significant development in Idaho's constitutional law landscape, particularly in the realm of gun rights. It remains to be seen how this amendment will impact future gun regulations and policies in the state.