New law regulates bounty hunters in Idaho

Legislation requiring bounty hunters to wear badges and notify county sheriffs of their intentions before attempting to apprehend someone has been signed into law by Republican Gov. Brad Little.

Little on Tuesday signed the legislation that for the first time creates laws in Idaho to regulate bounty hunting.

Backers say the legislation is needed following several incidents involving bounty hunters who opened fire and on at least one occasion put at risk an innocent person. The laws will also apply to bounty hunters from other states entering Idaho.

The new law also requires bounty hunters be 18 or older, be a citizen or legal resident of the United States, not be mentally ill as defined in Idaho law, and not be a fugitive from justice.