The Idaho Legislature convened its 2026 session on January 12, with lawmakers facing an estimated $1 billion revenue shortfall that will dominate the agenda. While budget battles are expected to consume most of the session's attention, gun owners should remain engaged as legislative sessions can move quickly.

Why it matters: Idaho already has strong Second Amendment protections, but sessions can move fast. Bills can appear, advance, and pass before most people notice.

• The budget problem represents the headline story this session. Idaho's revenue shortfall will force difficult conversations about spending priorities and potential cuts across state government.

By the numbers: Key dates to watch this session.

• January 12 — Session opened
• February 16 — Deadline for constitutional amendments
• February 26 — Bill introduction deadline
• March 27 — Target adjournment

Idaho's existing gun laws are already among the strongest in the nation. The state has constitutional carry with no permit required, no red flag law, state preemption of local gun laws, and stand your ground protections.

"No major gun legislation is pending yet. Budget battles will consume most of the oxygen. But sessions move fast."

Gun rights advocates have multiple resources for staying informed throughout the session. Organizations like NRA-ILA and Idaho Second Amendment Alliance provide regular updates, while the state legislature's website offers bill tracking capabilities.

The bottom line: While budget concerns will drive most legislative activity, Second Amendment supporters should monitor developments as the session progresses.

Go deeper:

• NRA-ILA
• Idaho SAA
• Bill Tracking

Read the original article in The Handbook | By Steve Duskett

Join the Discussion

With a potential $1 billion budget shortfall looming, what do you think should be the legislature's priority—protecting funding for things like range safety programs and hunter education, or cutting taxes?