Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 27, 2026

H 489: CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT – Adds to existing law to prohibit the use of a mask or disguise during a criminal offense and to provide for a sentencing enhancement.

This bill prohibits individuals from wearing masks, hoods, or face-covering devices while committing or attempting to commit any other criminal offense in Idaho. It adds an additional penalty of up to $2,500 in fines, up to one year in jail, or both on top of the sentence for the original crime. The law does not replace existing penalties under other laws and applies to any crime where the offender conceals their face. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds sentencing enhancement for face concealment during crimes, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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signed · Idaho · House Apr 1, 2026

H 522: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding unmanned aircraft systems near Department of Correction facilities.

H 522 establishes a "drone no-fly zone" around Idaho's correctional facilities, creating a 400-foot restricted airspace above prison grounds. It prohibits drones from operating in this zone for any illegal or dangerous purpose (like spying or smuggling), making violations a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $2,000-$5,000 or up to one year in jail. Correctional facilities and law enforcement may use legal methods - such as jamming or physical capture - to disrupt drones operating "in a nefarious manner" within this zone. The law requires drone operators to know these restrictions, with ignorance not excused as a defense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens prison security by prohibiting drones near facilities to prevent smuggling/spying, directly supporting correctional safety within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 21, 2026

H 499: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding unmanned aircraft systems near Department of Correction facilities.

Idaho's H 499 prohibits drones within two nautical miles of correctional facility boundaries, defining this area as "restricted airspace." The law allows correctional facilities and law enforcement to use countermeasures like jamming or physical capture to disable drones operating illegally near prisons, and requires drone operators to know these restrictions. Violators face fines of $2,000-$5,000 or up to one year in jail, plus forfeiture of the drone. The bill directly affects drone operators near prisons and grants authorities clear legal tools to address security threats.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDirectly enhances prison security by restricting drone access near correctional facilities, strengthening operational safety within the corrections system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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signed · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 556: STATE PRISONERS HOUSED IN COUNTY JAILS – Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding per diem costs of state prisoners housed in county jails.

This bill changes how Idaho pays counties for housing state prisoners in county jails. Counties will now receive $80 per day for the first seven days of each inmate's stay (up from $55), then $75 daily thereafter. The state must also cover all medical/dental costs for these inmates, and counties must bill the state every 60 days with payment due within 60 days. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, as an emergency measure.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases state payments to counties for housing state prisoners, covers medical costs, and adjusts per diem rates to ensure proper compensation for correctional facilities.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates state coverage of all medical/dental costs for inmates in county jails, directly funding healthcare services within correctional facilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 19, 2026

H 490: RECKLESS DRIVING – Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding reckless driving.

Idaho bill H 490 revises the state's reckless driving law (Idaho Code §49-1401). It adds a specific prohibition against passing when a lane line indicates a sight distance restriction and clarifies that driving 20+ mph over the speed limit in school or construction zones constitutes reckless driving. The bill creates a new "inattentive driving" offense for less severe cases (e.g., minor carelessness), punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $300 fine, while maintaining tiered penalties for reckless driving: first-time offenders face up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine, and repeat offenders within 5 years face up to 1 year jail or $2,000 fine plus automatic license suspension. This law directly affects drivers convicted of these traffic violations, with changes taking effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds new 'inattentive driving' offense with penalties, expanding criminalization per oppose indicators (increases criminalization, not reform).95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAmends reckless driving law to prohibit passing in sight-restricted zones and increase penalties for speeding in school/construction zones, enhancing road safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing

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passed · Idaho · House Feb 3, 2026

H 493: COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY – Amends existing law to revise the penalty for soliciting commercial sexual activity.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeSets mandatory minimum sentences without judicial discretion, increasing punitive measures for soliciting sex work per Idaho's sentencing structure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Sentencing

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signed · Idaho · House Mar 20, 2026

H 541: ENTICING A CHILD – Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding enticing a child through use of the internet or other communication device.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by making mere online enticement of minors a felony without requiring proof of actual sexual acts, strengthening penalties for digital exploitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · Idaho · House Jan 27, 2026

H 524: CHILD CUSTODY INTERFERENCE – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for penalties and remedies regarding child custody interference.

Idaho's H 524 strengthens laws against child custody interference by clarifying penalties and adding remedies. It establishes a graduated penalty system: first offenses are fines up to $100 (misdemeanor), while fifth offenses become felonies punishable by up to $5,000 and one year in jail. The bill requires law enforcement to verify a child's safety within 4 hours of a report and mandates courts to order additional custody time (matching denied visitation) to compensate parents deprived of court-ordered time. This directly affects parents denied custody, law enforcement responding to reports, and courts handling custody disputes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes graduated penalties for custody interference, strengthening criminal enforcement and sentencing within family law context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement

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