Bill > S1276

This bill amends existing Idaho law to permanently prohibit individuals convicted of certain felonies from regaining the right to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms. Previously, after completing their sentence, most individuals convicted of an Idaho felony had their full rights of citizenship restored, with specific exceptions for firearm rights related to treason and a list of other serious crimes. This bill expands that list of crimes, including new offenses like terrorism, arson, theft by extortion, human trafficking, felony riot, hijacking, racketeering, and supplying firearms to a criminal gang, as well as attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations to commit these crimes. The bill also clarifies that this prohibition applies to those convicted of these expanded offenses on or after July 1, 1991, and specifically addresses individuals convicted of murder or voluntary manslaughter involving a firearm, whose firearm rights will not be restored regardless of the conviction date. Furthermore, individuals convicted of similar felonies in other states will also be permanently barred from firearm possession in Idaho. The process for seeking restoration of firearm rights through the commission of pardons and parole remains, but the bill reinforces that applications will not be accepted for at least five years after final discharge and will not be granted for individuals convicted of first or second-degree murder or felonies where a firearm was used to enhance the sentence.