This Idaho bill (S 1260) revises state laws governing immigration enforcement. It removes outdated provisions about illegal entry, clarifies definitions (like "illegal alien" and "dangerous crime"), and changes penalties: first illegal entry becomes a misdemeanor, repeat offenses a felony. The law requires police to enforce these rules only when someone is detained for unrelated crimes, and adds specific defenses (e.g., having federal permission to stay, asylum status, or DACA approval between 2012-2021). It takes effect July 1, 2026.
H 681 eliminates the statute of limitations for specific serious crimes in Idaho, meaning prosecutors can file charges at any time regardless of when the offense occurred. It directly affects victims and law enforcement by removing time constraints for prosecuting murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, child sexual abuse (including lewd conduct with children), production of child sexual exploitation material, and terrorism. The bill amends Idaho Code Section 19-401 to explicitly state there is no time limit for these offenses. This change applies to all cases involving the listed crimes, allowing for potential prosecution years or decades after the incident.
This Idaho bill (H 707) creates a streamlined administrative process for splitting land containing an approved or existing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or secondary structure, primarily affecting homeowners, builders, and lenders. It allows counties or cities to bypass full subdivision requirements if a lender verifies the split is needed for financing, provided the division doesn’t increase density, create new lots, or compromise access/utility. The process requires recording with the county and includes restrictions preventing further divisions or violations of zoning rules. The bill explicitly prohibits using this process for agricultural fragmentation or "subdivisions by another name," and takes effect on July 1, 2026.
This bill revises Idaho's legal definition of "sexual contact" to explicitly include specific sexual acts (like intercourse, genital contact, or oral contact) and any physical contact with sexual intent. It prohibits correctional facility employees (including private facility staff) and supervising officers from having such contact with prisoners, juvenile offenders, parolees, or probationers (unless the person is their spouse). Violations would be classified as felonies punishable by up to life imprisonment. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
H 722 revises Idaho's tax rules for rate-regulated electric and gas utility companies. It updates how property taxes are calculated and distributed to counties, requiring the state tax commission to verify utility investments every five years and establish a dedicated "rate-regulated tax fund." The bill changes the method for apportioning tax revenue based on 2025 property tax data and adjusts distributions when local taxing districts dissolve. These changes directly affect electric/gas utilities and local governments that receive tax revenue from these companies.
This bill expands exemptions for newborn health screenings in Idaho. It allows parents or guardians to opt out based on religious, philosophical, or conscientious beliefs (previously only religious objections were permitted), or by providing a physician's certification that screenings would endanger the child's health. The change directly affects parents seeking exemptions for infants' required screenings under current law. It takes effect July 1, 2026, after passing unanimously in the Idaho Senate.
Idaho's legislature passed SJM 109, a joint memorial urging Congress to support a constitutional amendment affirming states' authority over election processes. It directly calls on Idaho's congressional delegation to champion this amendment, which would reinforce state control over election rules, campaign finance, security, and transparency. The memorial cites Idaho's Constitution and the Tenth Amendment to argue that states, not federal entities, should determine election policies reflecting local needs. This procedural resolution does not change laws but formally requests federal action to preserve state sovereignty in elections.
This bill amends Idaho's insurance investment rules to adjust limits on where insurers can invest funds. It sets a new cap: insurers may invest up to 10% of their total assets (or 75% of their capital/surplus, whichever is lower) in non-specific investments, with a single investment limited to 5% of assets. Insurers must also maintain separate records for these investments. The changes apply directly to Idaho insurance companies and take effect July 1, 2026.
This Idaho bill (H 654) adds a specific definition to existing law for "electronic storage detection dog" - meaning a dog trained to locate electronic devices (like phones or hard drives) by scent. It clarifies which police dogs are covered under current protections for assault, injury, or death, ensuring these specialized dogs are explicitly included in the law. The bill does not create new penalties or requirements; it only updates the definition within Section 18-7039 of Idaho Code, directly affecting police departments using such dogs for evidence collection. The definition takes effect July 1, 2026.
S 1266 amends Idaho's foster care laws to strengthen oversight by requiring courts to hold regular review hearings every two months (starting six months after a child enters foster care). These hearings must address child safety, educational stability, sibling placement, and progress toward permanency, including asking youth aged 12 and older about their desired outcomes. The bill also mandates written court findings for youth in planned permanent living arrangements and requires documentation of efforts to find permanent placements with parents, relatives, or adoptive families. Additionally, it specifies that courts must review the use of psychotropic medications for foster care children at each hearing.
This bill prohibits Idaho courts from applying foreign laws that would violate fundamental rights protected by the U.S. or Idaho constitutions, such as due process, free speech, religious freedom, or marriage rights. It makes rulings, contracts, or jurisdiction clauses based on such foreign laws unenforceable, including in cases where foreign law would deny these rights. However, it explicitly excludes religious organizations from court interference in internal matters (like clergy appointments) and does not affect pre-existing contracts or entities voluntarily subject to foreign law. The law applies to all Idaho courts and parties in disputes involving foreign legal systems.
H 613 requires private businesses or organizations hosting polling places to maintain liability insurance coverage for election day operations, with the state covering the cost through the Department of Administration. It limits legal liability for facility owners, workers, and volunteers at these locations during elections, protecting them from most civil claims related to their election duties. The bill also updates property tax exemption rules to clarify that polling place facilities remain exempt from taxes. This directly affects private property owners selected as polling places and election staff working at those sites, reducing their financial risk while ensuring polling locations remain accessible.
