This Idaho bill (S 1239) amends the legal definition of "daycare" to align with Idaho Code Chapter 39, which governs licensed daycare facilities. It clarifies that the existing restrictions on registered sex offenders near schools and daycare properties apply specifically to licensed daycares, including those permitted or approved by local governments. The change ensures consistency between the sex offender law and the licensing definition but does not alter the prohibited behaviors (such as being within 500 feet of daycare grounds) or existing exceptions. The bill is procedural and does not create new restrictions or penalties.
This bill requires courts to collect a DNA sample and thumbprint from individuals convicted of or pleading guilty to a "serious crime" (defined as felonies, attempts to commit felonies, certain sex offenses, misdemeanor domestic violence, or sexual battery) at the time of sentencing. It revises the definition of "serious crime" to include specific offenses and clarifies that collection is mandatory regardless of prior DNA collection or the sentence type. The bill replaces outdated procedures with new rules specifying who must collect samples, when it must occur (post-conviction), and where it should take place, while ensuring these requirements apply to all qualifying offenders, including those on probation or under sex offender registration.
This bill (H 558) requires Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare to determine within 60 days (and annually) whether children in its legal custody are eligible for federal benefits like Social Security or veterans' benefits. If eligible, the department must apply for these benefits and may serve as the child's representative payee, managing funds exclusively for the child's needs (not state costs) and providing annual reports on fund usage. It also mandates a "success sequence" plan allowing children to access portions of benefits upon achieving milestones like graduating high school, securing employment, or completing financial literacy training. Upon leaving state custody, remaining funds must be released directly to the child (if 18+) or their parent/guardian (if under 18).
H 511 revises the surcharge for improved forest parcels on private land in Idaho, capping it at $100 per parcel (previously ranging up to $100). It directly affects private forest landowners who maintain improved parcels, requiring them to pay this annual surcharge to fund wildfire preparedness. The bill also updates assessment rules for forest landowners (65¢ per acre for over 26 acres, minimum $25 for 25 acres or less) and establishes a wildfire equipment replacement fund. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, following its passage by the Idaho House (46-22) on February 4, 2026.
This bill revises Idaho's licensing requirements for certified public accountants (CPAs). It increases the minimum education requirement from prior standards to 150 semester hours (or 225 quarter hours) in accounting, auditing, and business, including a bachelor's degree. It also establishes new practice privileges for out-of-state CPAs licensed in other states, replacing the repealed "substantial equivalency" rule with a new reciprocity provision. The changes directly affect current and prospective CPAs seeking Idaho licensure and the Idaho State Board of Accountancy managing these requirements.
This bill establishes new requirements for Medicaid eligibility in Idaho, affecting individuals aged 19 to 65 who are not pregnant, not receiving Social Security benefits, and not otherwise eligible for coverage. It mandates that the state verify applicants' work status, income, residency, identity, and immigration status through official documentation and third-party data sources rather than accepting self-attestation. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Welfare to verify compliance with work requirements quarterly and to receive regular data updates from state and federal agencies to monitor changes in recipients' circumstances. Additionally, the bill restricts exemptions from work requirements to specific medical conditions certified by healthcare professionals and prohibits managed care organizations from granting exemptions.
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.
This bill requires Idaho's executive budget document to include specific details when the governor recommends actions that would need new legislation to implement. The key provision mandates that the budget document must contain a draft of any necessary legislation and list at least one willing sponsor from each chamber of the legislature. Additionally, if recommendations require conditions or restrictions, the budget must include draft language for those requirements. This change affects the governor's budget submission process and provides the legislature with clearer information about proposed actions that require their approval.
This bill requires healthcare organizations participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program to submit annual reports to Idaho state agencies about their program participation and financial details. The reports must include information on drug acquisition costs, payments to contract pharmacies, savings generated, and how those savings are used for charity care or community benefits, broken down by insurance payer type. The data will be kept confidential and shared through a secure portal, with an aggregated summary made available publicly on the state website. The attorney general may use the information to investigate potential Medicaid fraud and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
This bill amends Idaho law to establish clearer rules for supervised visitation in child custody cases between parents. It requires courts to explain their reasons for ordering supervised visits, mandates regular reviews within 49 days, and sets a 90-day maximum interval for transitioning to unsupervised parenting time unless there is good cause. The legislation prioritizes unpaid providers chosen by the parents, requires background checks for paid providers including criminal and abuse registry screenings, and clarifies that supervised visitation cannot be used as punishment or a substitute for proving unfitness.
This bill restructures the Idaho Digital Learning Academy by updating its legal framework and establishing a new nine-member board of directors to oversee operations. The board will include school superintendents, a school principal, two citizen members, the state superintendent, and two legislators, with members serving staggered three-year terms. The academy will function as a public school-choice option offering courses like credit recovery and dual credit, particularly for students in small or rural districts, while remaining separate from existing state government departments. The legislation also clarifies funding provisions and defines the academy's role as a resource to supplement, not replace, local school district programs.
This bill establishes a five-year pause on new regulations and fee increases for Idaho's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. During this period, the division and its associated boards cannot create additional administrative rules or raise licensing fees, though they may still repeal existing regulations to reduce regulatory burdens. The legislation also requires the division to transfer all administrative rules that are shorter than eight pages into state statutes by December 31, 2026. These changes directly impact the division's ability to manage occupational licensing and affect the businesses and professionals regulated under its authority.
