Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: H0621 – Courthouse Concealed Carry Restriction Narrowing
Bill Summary
House Bill 621 amends Idaho Code Section 18-3302C to narrow where concealed weapon license holders are prohibited from carrying firearms in courthouses. The bill changes the prohibition from applying to entire courthouses to only “the courtroom portions of a courthouse or in any area of a courthouse being used as a jail or holding facility for the detention of prisoners or any person undergoing trial or awaiting sentencing.” This means concealed carry license holders can now legally carry in courthouse hallways, offices, and other non-courtroom areas that are not being used for detention purposes.
The bill maintains existing prohibitions on carrying concealed weapons in juvenile detention facilities, jails, and public or private schools (with specified exceptions). It also preserves exceptions for peace officers acting within their employment scope, security personnel engaged in their duties, and persons authorized by the entity controlling the building. The legislation restructures the section by renumbering subsections for clarity and declares an emergency to make the changes effective July 1, 2026.
Overall Assessment
This bill expands where Idaho concealed carry license holders can legally carry firearms within courthouse buildings by limiting the prohibition to courtrooms and detention areas only. License holders gain access to previously restricted courthouse spaces including hallways, administrative offices, and public areas not used for trials or detention. The change removes criminal liability for lawful gun owners who carry in non-courtroom courthouse spaces while maintaining security restrictions in sensitive judicial and detention areas.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill modifies concealed carry restrictions in courthouse facilities but does not address fiscal policy, taxation, government spending, or legislative budgeting processes. The changes relate to weapons carry locations rather than governmental responsibility or financial management.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill amends prohibited conduct for concealed weapon carriers in courthouses. It contains no provisions related to elections, voting procedures, primary systems, or citizen participation in government processes.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
While the bill references existing prohibitions on concealed carry in "public or private school" facilities, it makes no changes to school-related provisions. The amendments only affect courthouse carry restrictions, leaving all education-related language unchanged.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The bill addresses concealed weapon carry in courthouses and detention facilities. It contains no provisions related to agriculture, farming operations, ranching, or agricultural policy.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill modifies concealed carry prohibitions in courthouse buildings. It does not address water rights, water management, dam operations, or any water-related policy matters.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The bill concerns concealed weapon carry locations in public facilities. It contains no provisions related to natural resources, environmental policy, land management, or conservation.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill amends concealed carry restrictions in courthouses. It does not address energy policy, energy production, energy independence, or energy resource development.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill modifies concealed weapon carry prohibitions in courthouse facilities. It contains no provisions related to Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, or technology development.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill addresses concealed carry in public courthouse buildings and government detention facilities. It does not involve private property rights, eminent domain, or property owner development rights.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The bill concerns concealed weapon carry in courthouse buildings. It contains no provisions related to state or federal land ownership, land management, or land transfer policies.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The bill amends concealed carry prohibitions in courthouses and detention facilities. It does not address wildlife management, hunting regulations, fishing, or predator control.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
The bill modifies concealed weapon carry restrictions in public facilities. It contains no provisions related to commerce, business regulation, labor policy, or economic development.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The bill addresses concealed carry locations in courthouses. It does not involve healthcare policy, health insurance, patient rights, or welfare programs.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill amends concealed weapon carry prohibitions in courthouse facilities. It contains no provisions related to family values, marriage, parental rights, or children's welfare.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill modifies concealed carry restrictions in courthouses. It does not contain provisions specifically addressing older Americans, their rights, or age-related policies.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (1)
The bill narrows concealed carry prohibitions by changing the restriction from entire courthouses to only "the courtroom portions of a courthouse" and detention areas. This expansion of where law-abiding citizens with concealed carry licenses can legally carry firearms supports Second Amendment rights and Right-to-Carry laws. The change allows license holders to carry in courthouse hallways, offices, and public areas while maintaining security in courtrooms and detention facilities.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill addresses concealed weapon carry in courthouse facilities. It contains no provisions related to national defense, border security, military operations, or veterans' affairs.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
While the bill affects courthouse facilities, it only addresses concealed carry restrictions. It contains no provisions related to judicial elections, judge selection processes, or constitutional interpretation principles.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill modifies concealed carry prohibitions in courthouses. It does not address religious freedom, free exercise of religion, or conscience protections.