Idaho proposes firing squad as primary execution method for death penalty cases

Idaho lawmakers are considering a controversial bill that would make the firing squad the primary method of execution for death row inmates convicted of premeditated murder. During the House Legislative Session on February 6, 2025, proponents argued that this method is more humane and efficient compared to the current practice of lethal injection.

The bill's sponsor emphasized that the firing squad would expedite justice for victims and their families, reducing the number of appeals that often complicate the execution process. Currently, there are nine inmates on death row in Idaho, and the Department of Correction has existing policies in place to implement this method, pending a facility remodel estimated to cost $750,000.

Supporters of the bill claim that the firing squad is a quicker and more certain means of carrying out the death penalty, citing opinions from legal experts and even a U.S. Supreme Court Justice who has described it as potentially the most humane execution method. The proposed effective date for the bill is July 2026, allowing time for the necessary facility upgrades while still permitting lethal injections in the interim.

However, the bill faced opposition during the session. Critics raised concerns about the escalating costs associated with establishing a firing squad facility, suggesting that the projected expenses could exceed $1 million. They questioned the necessity of switching from lethal injection, which has been successfully used in other states, including a recent execution in South Carolina.

As the debate continues, the implications of this bill could significantly impact Idaho's approach to capital punishment, reflecting broader discussions about the ethics and efficacy of execution methods in the state. Lawmakers will need to weigh the fiscal concerns against the proposed benefits of a firing squad as they move forward with this contentious legislation.