Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · Idaho · Senate Mar 17, 2026

S 1393: 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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens child safety by requiring law enforcement investigations in custody cases and limiting temporary orders based on evidence, enhancing accountability and protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

Track

passed · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 927: TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for suspension of driver’s licenses when a person is 60 days or more delinquent in paying the penalty for a moving traffic infraction.

This bill requires Idaho to suspend driver's licenses for individuals who are 60 days or more behind on unpaid fines for moving traffic violations. It creates a new legal provision that allows courts to notify the Department of Transportation when a driver fails to pay an infraction penalty, triggering an automatic suspension without a prior hearing. To restore driving privileges, drivers must pay all outstanding fines and fees, and the law includes an appeal process through district court as well as limited exceptions for medical emergencies and employment-related travel.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts due process by allowing automatic license suspension without prior hearing, reducing defendant rights in traffic court proceedings.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens transportation safety by enforcing traffic violation penalties, ensuring drivers comply with laws and reducing unsafe driving behaviors.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

Track

in committee · Idaho · Senate Mar 27, 2026

S 1443: CONDITIONAL RELEASE AND DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL ALIEN OFFENDERS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding the conditional release and deportation of illegal alien offenders.

This bill allows Idaho correctional officials to release certain illegal alien offenders from state custody before their sentences end, transferring them to federal immigration authorities for deportation. It applies only to individuals with fixed-term sentences, excluding those facing life imprisonment or the death penalty, and requires a final deportation order from the U.S. Attorney General before release can occur. Released offenders remain subject to their original sentences, with any remaining time tolled until they are arrested again or return to the United States illegally, and they must continue to pay court-ordered restitution. The law also mandates that victims receive written notice before release and prohibits future conditional release for anyone who illegally reenters the country. The provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by enabling conditional release of illegal alien offenders for deportation, reducing state custody costs while maintaining sentence accountability.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill mandates cooperation with federal immigration enforcement by transferring illegal alien offenders to federal authorities for deportation, increasing state immigration enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights Enforcement

Track

signed · Idaho · House Mar 30, 2026

H 925: APPROPRIATIONS – JUDICIAL BRANCH – Relates to the appropriation to the Judicial Branch for fiscal year 2027.

This bill allocates approximately $4.1 million in funding to Idaho's Judicial Branch for fiscal year 2027, covering court operations, trustee and benefit payments, and specific programs like drug courts and guardian ad litem services. The money comes from various existing funds, including the Court Technology Fund, Drug Court and Mental Health Court Fund, and the General Fund, and is designated for specific expense categories within district courts, magistrate divisions, and community-based substance use treatment services. The legislation includes an emergency declaration to ensure the funding takes effect immediately on July 1, 2026, allowing the Judicial Branch to access these resources without delay.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $4.1M to fund Judicial Branch operations, court programs, and essential services for fiscal year 2027.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates $4.1M to Judicial Branch for court operations, drug courts, and guardian ad litem services, strengthening criminal justice infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Courts Judges

failed · Idaho · House Apr 2, 2026

H 896: SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding compliance with the law.

This bill establishes a new chapter in Idaho law to address alleged violations of legal prohibitions by public officers and employees. It allows certain government leaders to refer potential violations to the attorney general, who must notify the accused party and give them 14 days to either admit and fix the violation or deny it. If the violation is not resolved, the attorney general may file a court action to enforce compliance or seek to disqualify the individual from public office for up to five years. The bill applies to state agencies, schools, political subdivisions, and other public entities, excluding legislative and judicial branches.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances accountability for public officers by establishing procedures to address violations, strengthening oversight within criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

in committee · Idaho · House Mar 10, 2026

H 858: CHILD CUSTODY – Amends existing law to provide restrictions for court-appointed professionals.

This bill establishes new requirements for parenting coordinators appointed by Idaho courts in child custody cases. It mandates that these professionals undergo comprehensive criminal background checks before appointment and maintain records of all checks with the state supreme court. The legislation clarifies that parenting coordinators serve only in an advisory capacity, with final custody decisions remaining the court's responsibility, and requires their reports to be disclosed to both parents with the coordinator available for cross-examination. Additionally, the bill sets a minimum reporting schedule requiring status updates at least every six months and allows courts to allocate fees between the parties involved.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice oversight by requiring background checks for court-appointed professionals, enhancing accountability and public safety in custody cases.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

signed · Idaho · House Mar 24, 2026

H 847: APPROPRIATIONS – JUDICIAL BRANCH – Relates to the maintenance appropriation to the Judicial Branch for fiscal year 2027.

This bill allocates $100.5 million to Idaho's Judicial Branch for fiscal year 2027, covering personnel costs, operating expenses, capital outlays, and benefit payments across various court divisions including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts. The legislation provides flexibility by exempting the Judicial Branch from certain expense transfer limits, allowing funds to move between categories as needed, and requires monthly transfers of uncommitted retirement contributions to the Judges' Retirement Fund. Additionally, the bill reappropriates up to $16.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for nonrecurring expenditures and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $100.5M to Judicial Branch for FY2027, funding personnel, operations, and benefits across courts, strengthening budget allocation for essential government services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates $100.5M to Judicial Branch for FY2027, funding courts and personnel essential for criminal justice operations and administration of justice.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Courts

signed · Idaho · House Apr 2, 2026

H 967: DISTRIBUTION OF MONEYS IN LIQUOR ACCOUNT – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the distribution of moneys in the Liquor Account.

This bill updates how money collected from Idaho's liquor sales is distributed to various state funds and local governments. It adjusts the percentages of funds allocated to counties, cities, and specific programs like law enforcement, substance abuse treatment, and education over a multi-year period starting in fiscal year 2018. The changes gradually shift more funding toward local governments while maintaining set amounts for state agencies and court-related services. The bill also corrects a code reference error and establishes minimum funding levels to protect historical distribution amounts from 1981.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases funding to local governments and essential programs like law enforcement and substance abuse treatment through liquor tax revenue distribution85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates funds to law enforcement and court-related services, strengthening criminal justice infrastructure through increased funding.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 4, 2026

H 578: MEDICAID – Adds to existing law to provide legislative approval for a state plan amendment regarding incarcerated juveniles transition services.

This Idaho bill (H 578) requires legislative approval for a Medicaid state plan amendment to provide transition services for juveniles in custody. It directly affects incarcerated juveniles within 30 days of release from correctional facilities after a court hearing, ensuring they receive medical/dental screenings and case management referrals. Key provisions mandate that these services - screenings meeting medical standards and referrals to local care - must be included in a state plan submitted by July 2026, with services starting no earlier than July 2027. The bill also specifies that services must align with federal Medicaid requirements and depend on annual legislative funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates medical/dental screenings and case management for juveniles post-release from custody, directly supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through transitional services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid medical/dental screenings and case management referrals for incarcerated juveniles post-release, expanding healthcare access through state plan amendment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Medicaid

Track

passed · Idaho · House Mar 17, 2026

H 680: CHILD PROTECTIVE ACT – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding interviews of alleged child abuse victims.

This Idaho bill (H 680) requires all interviews with alleged child abuse victims - conducted by law enforcement, child welfare agencies, or child advocacy centers - to be recorded with sound and video. It applies to safety assessments, investigative interviews, and risk assessments. The law states that not having such recordings won't prevent evidence from being used in court. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates recordings of law enforcement interviews with child abuse victims to enhance accountability and evidence integrity in criminal investigations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

Track