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Committee introduces bill to make firing squad primary method for executions
Summary
Representative Bruce Scogg introduced RS 31,942 proposing the firing squad as the primary method for carrying out the death penalty; sponsor said existing appropriations cover initial facility work and the bill would not immediately alter pending cases.
The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee voted by voice to introduce RS 31,942 on Jan. 15, 2025. Representative Bruce Scogg presented the measure, which would designate the firing squad as the primary method for executing death sentences, replacing its current secondary status.
Scogg, who identified himself as representing District 10, said the proposal responds to past difficulties obtaining pentobarbital for lethal injections. “This legislation proposes the firing squad as the primary enforcement mechanism to administrate the death penalty,” he told the committee, noting the change is intended to reduce complications in carrying out sentences when certain drugs are unavailable.
Scogg said the measure will not take effect immediately; the bill includes a delayed effective date in July 2026 to allow time to build or remodel a facility at the Idaho Department of Corrections. He said the department “already appropriated $750,000 for the remodel or build of the facility” and that, “there may be some additional funds that cost to get it built, but those funds are already within their budget and they won't have to request more money,” according to his remarks.
Scogg said the bill “is not about whether death penalty is good or bad,” adding the juries and judges have already determined appropriate cases and the committee’s role is to decide how to carry out sentences “under the bounds of our constitution requirements.” He also told members he plans to bring a legal expert from the Attorney General’s Office to the formal hearing to answer legal and comparative questions.
During discussion, Representative Gannon asked how many executions by firing squad have occurred in the past 40 years in the United States; Scogg said he did not have a specific number at the committee but that prior courts have addressed constitutionality. Representative Vyse said he would support introduction but reiterated objections to the state’s role in capital punishment and planned to raise that at the full hearing.
A member moved to introduce the measure and the motion passed by voice vote; no recorded roll-call tally appears in the transcript. The committee did not adopt amendments at this session.
