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On December 15, 2025, Idaho Governor John Smith signed into law a bill that will increase penalties for repeat offenders in the state. The new legislation, known as SB-2025, is aimed at cracking down on individuals who repeatedly commit crimes and fail to rehabilitate.Under the new law, individuals who are convicted of a felony for the third time will face mandatory minimum sentences of at least 15 years in prison. This is a significant increase from the previous mandatory minimum of 5 years for third-time offenders. Additionally, judges will have the discretion to impose longer sentences for repeat offenders based on the severity of the crimes committed.Governor Smith praised the new legislation, stating that it sends a clear message that Idaho will not tolerate repeat criminal behavior. "We must take a strong stance against those who continue to engage in criminal activity despite multiple opportunities for rehabilitation," he said. "This law will help ensure that repeat offenders are held accountable for their actions and protect our communities from further harm."The bill was supported by law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and victim advocacy groups who have long pushed for tougher penalties for repeat offenders. They argue that harsher punishments are necessary to deter individuals from continuing to commit crimes and to provide justice for victims.However, some critics of the new law have raised concerns about its potential impact on over-incarceration and the disproportionate impact on minority communities. They argue that mandatory minimum sentences can lead to harsh punishments for individuals who may have been failed by the criminal justice system or have underlying issues that need to be addressed through rehabilitative programs.Despite these concerns, Governor Smith and supporters of the bill remain confident that the new law will help make Idaho safer and reduce recidivism rates in the state. The legislation is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to all individuals convicted of felonies on or after that date.