CHILD CUSTODY – Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding allegations of abuse and temporary and ex parte orders.

This bill updates Idaho's child custody laws to require investigations by health and welfare or law enforcement when credible abuse allegations arise in custody cases. It mandates that courts wait for investigation reports before making final custody decisions and sets strict time limits for investigations and temporary orders. The law also limits temporary custody orders to 49 days and requires ex parte orders to be based on sworn evidence of imminent danger rather than speculation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that safety plans are nonbinding proposals and prevents findings from relying solely on opinions from court-appointed professionals.