Idaho Firearms Preemption Bars Local Gun Ordinances

Idaho Code 18-3302J declares that the Idaho legislature occupies the field of firearms regulation and preempts all local rules concerning the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, transportation, carrying, registration, storage, taxation, or licensing of firearms, ammunition, components, accessories, or shooting ranges. Cities, counties, agencies, and special districts cannot enact or enforce ordinances inconsistent with state law. Limited exceptions allow regulation of discharge of firearms within municipal limits and certain restrictions in publicly owned buildings, but local gun bans, registration schemes, magazine limits, and assault-weapon restrictions are void. Persons adversely affected may sue, and prevailing plaintiffs recover attorney fees and costs. Boise, Pocatello, and Moscow cannot create stricter local rules.

Conflicting local ordinances are null and void. Officials enforcing void rules face civil liability and prevailing plaintiffs recover attorney fees and costs.