The bill amends the Idaho Code to address the possession of firearms on school property, specifically clarifying prohibited conduct and defining relevant terms. It revises Section 18-3302C to prohibit individuals licensed to carry concealed weapons from doing so in schools, with exceptions for peace officers, security personnel, and authorized individuals. Section 18-3302D is updated to include definitions for terms such as "employee," "firearm," and "school property," while outlining the rights of school employees regarding concealed weapons. Importantly, it establishes that school employees are not obligated to carry weapons and cannot be held liable for their decisions in armed confrontations.

The bill also introduces provisions allowing school employees to carry concealed weapons under certain conditions, including the necessity for enhanced concealed carry licenses or firearms training. It emphasizes the confidentiality of employees' concealed carry status and prohibits schools from indicating they are gun-free zones. Furthermore, it protects school employees from civil or criminal liability when acting in self-defense during life-threatening situations and exempts certain records from disclosure to maintain privacy. The bill declares an emergency, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, highlighting the urgency of addressing school safety and employee rights in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 18-3302C, 18-3302D, 74-106