BOISE — A law lowering from 21 to 18 the age limit for carrying a concealed handgun within city limits in Idaho without a permit or training has gone into effect.
The law passed by Idaho lawmakers and signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little taking effect Monday aligns gun laws in urban areas with rural areas where those 18 and older can already carry a concealed handgun.
That's one of more than 300 new or amended laws passed by lawmakers earlier this year.
Another new law requires motorists to slow down and move over when approaching tow trucks and maintenance vehicles parked along roadways with lights flashing.
Lawmakers also increased fines for motorists unlawfully passing a loading or unloading school bus, with fines up to $1,000 for each consecutive offense.
Other news laws include:
One that will allow first responders to get workers compensation for treatment for psychological trauma.
Creating a pet-friendly license plate. The sales from the plate will fund low-costs pay and neutering.
One that now requires all sexual assault kits be tested. From now on, there will only be extremely rare exceptions to testing.
Homeowners associations now cannot unreasonably restrict the use of solar panels. A homeowner will now have the right to choose solar energy for their home.
Another new law gives workers the ability to claim stolen wages for a year after it was unpaid. This will make it easier for workers to get the money they have earned.
Theaters can now sell beer and wine. Backers say this will help to revitalize many small communities that rely on the theater for entertainment.
Idahoans can now donate their unused prescription medications. The bill does not include opioids.
Idahoans will also have easier access to opioid overdose antidotes. The drugs can be quickly administered to someone having an opioid overdose to save their life.
And a new law clarifies the definition of e-bikes. This clarification in Idaho code will allow for cities, counties, and the state to better regulate their use.
(Associated Press contributed to this story)
