Starting July 1, Idaho will execute those convicted of lewd acts with children under 12 by firing squad, thanks to House Bill 380, signed into law by Gov. Brad Little—a measure that also ramps up penalties for other pedophile offenders.

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

Idaho’s new law greenlights the death penalty by firing squad for those convicted of lewd acts with kids under 12 starting July 1—but only if prosecutors can prove three of 17 chilling criteria, like repeated offenses, use of force, or infecting a child with an STD.

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

ABC 10 reports: 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.