The Idaho Legislature continued strengthening the state’s firearms protections during the 2022 session, building on the constitutional carry law and advancing measures to push back against potential federal gun restrictions.

Idaho’s Second Amendment Preservation Act framework aims to prohibit state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal firearms laws that exceed state law. The approach mirrors similar efforts in other conservative states seeking to create a legal barrier between federal gun regulations and state enforcement.

The legislation had strong support in North Idaho, where Second Amendment rights are a cornerstone political issue. The Idaho Second Amendment Alliance and other advocacy organizations worked with legislators to shape the bills.

North Idaho’s five northern counties have some of the highest rates of firearms ownership in the state. Hunting, sport shooting, and personal defense are deeply embedded in the region’s culture, and any perceived threat to gun rights generates immediate and vocal constituent response.