ID S1298

Grants criminal prosecution immunity to individuals who use force justified under Idaho's self-defense and justifiable homicide statutes (sections 18-4009 and 19-201 through 19-205)

Requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant stating probable cause that force was unlawful before arresting someone claiming self-defense, except in exigent circumstances; arrestees must be given bail/bond opportunity within 24 hours

Establishes a pretrial immunity hearing process within 14 days where defendants can seek dismissal; prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial after defendant makes prima facie self-defense showing

Mandates county reimbursement for defendants found not guilty or whose charges were dismissed based on justified force, covering compensatory damages, lost time, legal fees, and other expenses; also requires automatic expungement of all related criminal records

Applies retroactively to judicial proceedings pending or concluded within 12 months preceding the effective date; declared an emergency measure taking effect immediately upon passage