H 697 creates new felony crimes related to election violations in Idaho. It defines three specific offenses: voting illegally (e.g., by someone not entitled to vote or voting multiple times), interfering with elections (e.g., altering ballots or destroying election materials), and tampering with voting machines or tally systems. These provisions replace outdated language and establish clear felony penalties for these actions. The bill directly affects individuals who commit these specific election-related violations, making them subject to criminal prosecution.
Idaho bill H 541 amends state law to strengthen penalties for using digital communication to target minors. It revises the definition of "child" to include individuals aged 16-17 if the perpetrator is at least five years older, and expands coverage to all communication devices (not just the internet) used to solicit or entice minors into sexual acts. The law removes the requirement for prosecutors to prove an actual sexual act occurred, making it a felony to merely attempt such enticement. This affects individuals using digital means to target minors, with penalties up to 15 years in prison.
Idaho's H 685 prohibits individuals from wearing masks or disguises while committing specific crimes, including felonies, assault, battery, indecent exposure, or sexual offenses. If convicted under this law, offenders face additional penalties: up to $2,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, or both, on top of their original sentence. Law enforcement officers are exempt from this rule when performing their duties. The bill does not replace existing laws but adds these specific penalties for covered offenses.
This Idaho bill (H 700) prohibits employers and related parties from knowingly hiring or continuing to employ noncitizens without valid U.S. work authorization. It directly affects businesses, staffing agencies, and labor organizations operating in Idaho. Key provisions require employers to verify work eligibility through federal e-Verify before hiring, and compliance with this process serves as a defense against criminal charges. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill (H 493) revises penalties for soliciting commercial sexual activity in Idaho. It directly affects individuals who pay, offer to pay, or arrange for others to engage in sexual contact for compensation. Key provisions set mandatory minimum jail terms: 5 days for those aged 18-20 (first offense, misdemeanor), increasing to 6 months for those 21+ (always a felony). The bill also specifies that courts cannot suspend or reduce these minimum sentences and takes effect on July 1, 2026.
