Idaho is set to execute pedophiles by firing squad.

abc10 — BOISE, Idaho — Gov. Brad Little has signed legislation allowing Idaho courts to impose the death penalty for people convicted of lewd conduct with children under 12 years old.

House Bill 380, which takes effect July 1, also strengthens punishments for other convicted pedophiles.

“Idaho will not tolerate sexual abuse of our children," said Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa.

The legislation establishes criteria for when prosecutors can seek capital punishment. Defendants must meet three of 17 specific factors, including committing three or more incidents of lewd conduct with a minor, using force or transmitting a sexually transmitted disease to a minor.

"This legislation establishes a strong deterrent, making it clear Idaho will not tolerate these offenses," Skaug said.

The measure aligns Idaho with other states implementing stricter penalties for child sex crimes.

"Idaho currently has some of the most lenient statutes for child molestation and child rape in the nation," Skaug said.

In a statement, Little said the sexual abuse of children is sickening and evil, and deserves the ultimate punishment. He also noted Idaho will now be the only state to make death by firing squad the primary method of execution – which would apply to pedophiles.

"Just like capital murder destroys lives, aggravated sexual abuse of a young child devastates victims and families for generations,” Little said.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador also endorsed the legislation in a statement to KTVB.

"Idaho's children and future generations deserve that measure of protection,” Labrador wrote.