Governor Brad Little of Idaho signed House Bill 37 into law, making Idaho the only state to use a firing squad as its main method of execution. The law, effective July 1, 2026, was passed with broad support in the Idaho Legislature, with the Senate approving it 28-7 and the House 58-11.
The bill directs the Idaho Department of Correction to establish procedures for firing squad executions, with nine inmates currently on death row. Previously, firing squads were only allowed as a backup method when lethal injection drugs were unavailable. Proponents argue that firing squads are more humane and efficient, citing issues with obtaining lethal injection chemicals and lengthy legal processes.
Concerns were raised about the method’s reliability, highlighting potential inconsistencies in its effectiveness. Idaho joins four other states—Utah, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Mississippi—that permit firing squads, though none use it as the primary execution method. The law also suggests that Idaho may explore mechanized firing squad options, possibly including a remote-operated system.