HEALTH AND SAFETY – Amends Senate Bill 1014 to revise provisions regarding exemptions for required testing of newborns.

Idaho's S 1179 amends newborn screening requirements to expand exemption options for parents or guardians. The bill adds two new exemption categories: objections based on philosophical or conscientious beliefs (beyond just religious reasons), and medical exemptions certified by a physician. This directly affects families seeking to opt out of mandatory newborn health screenings. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, and passed the Idaho Senate with strong support (31-3-1) in March 2025.