Bill > H0037

This bill amends Idaho's existing law on methods of execution by reordering and modifying the potential execution methods. Specifically, the bill establishes two primary methods of execution: (a) firing squad and (b) continuous, intravenous administration of a lethal quantity of substances approved by the director of the Idaho Department of Correction. The legislation introduces a prioritization mechanism where the director of the correction department must certify the availability of methods within five days of a death warrant's issuance. If firing squad is available, it becomes the primary method; if not, lethal injection will be used. The bill also includes provisions for scenarios where a court determines the constitutionality of either method, allowing for method substitution. Notably, the changes will apply to all executions carried out on or after July 1, 2026, regardless of when the original sentence was imposed. This revision appears to provide more procedural clarity and flexibility in carrying out capital punishment in Idaho, potentially addressing potential challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs by explicitly preserving firing squad as an alternative method of execution.

Justice

Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0037/