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.
This Idaho bill removes the requirement for verifying immigration status when applying for crime victims compensation. It amends state law (Section 67-7903) to explicitly exempt this program from verification rules, directly affecting crime victims seeking state-funded financial assistance. Under the change, applicants no longer need to prove "lawful presence" to access compensation under Title 72, Chapter 10. This policy change applies specifically to victims of crime who qualify for state compensation programs.
Idaho's H 604 amends laws governing sexual offender registration by changing requirements for psychosexual evaluations. It states that a defendant's failure to provide a completed evaluation may lead to a harsher sentence, and clarifies that convicted offenders must pay for evaluations unless they prove financial hardship (in which case the county pays but requires repayment). The bill also specifies that if government funds cover an evaluation, the defendant must repay the government through standard restitution procedures. These changes apply to individuals convicted of offenses listed under Idaho Code §18-8304 who are ordered to undergo such evaluations.
This bill repeals Idaho Code section 19-5301 and establishes Chapter 63, the "Idaho Son of Sam Law," requiring payments to offenders from crime-related publicity (e.g., book deals, interviews, or paid appearances) to be placed into a state escrow account for five years. Victims of crimes can claim these funds through court orders during the escrow period, while offenders receive any remaining money after five years if no valid claims are filed. The law explicitly excludes regular wages, unrelated income, works that only briefly mention the crime, and news/documented works with standard interview fees. It clarifies the law regulates only money earned from crime publicity, not free speech, and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance.
