H 642 adjusts Idaho's public safety officer retirement benefits to ensure consistency between catastrophic injury and death benefits. It increases the lump-sum death benefit for surviving spouses or dependent children to $500,000 (matching the existing catastrophic injury benefit) and adds an annual pension of $75,000 for surviving spouses. The bill specifically affects surviving spouses and dependent children of police officers and firefighters who die in the line of duty due to catastrophic injuries. Benefits will be funded solely through public safety officers' pension contributions, with no tax on the payments. The legislation repeals outdated death benefit provisions and defines "catastrophic injury" through specific medical criteria.
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 698 amends Section 18-310 of the Idaho Code to allow individuals convicted of felonies in other states (excluding treason) to register and vote in Idaho upon completing their sentence (final discharge). This directly affects out-of-state felons who have served their full sentence, granting them voting rights they previously lacked under Idaho law. The bill explicitly states these individuals "shall not have the right restored to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm" in the same manner as Idaho felons, but does not alter firearm restrictions. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.
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.
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.
Idaho's H 518 amends state law to expand the Attorney General's role in combating human trafficking. The bill requires the Attorney General to annually report on state anti-trafficking efforts and recommend actions to eradicate trafficking, develop training materials for law enforcement and victim advocates on identifying and prosecuting trafficking cases, and assist local prosecutors upon request. It also grants the Attorney General authority to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases when requested by law enforcement agencies. These changes directly affect state agencies, prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates by standardizing statewide anti-trafficking efforts. The bill passed unanimously in the Idaho House and takes immediate effect.
Idaho's H 668 amends child custody interference law to clarify prohibited actions and strengthen enforcement. It defines interference as intentionally taking a child from a custodian without lawful authority, while adding specific defenses (e.g., protecting a child from harm, returning within 24 hours, or temporary impracticality due to unforeseen circumstances). The bill establishes graduated penalties: fines up to $100 for first offenses (misdemeanor), escalating to up to $5,000 and 1 year imprisonment for fifth offenses (felony). Law enforcement must verify child safety and complete detailed reports for all reports, with courts able to award custody compensation for denied visitation. The law directly affects parents or agents who interfere with custody orders and aims to ensure prompt child welfare checks.
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 amends Idaho's justifiable homicide law (Section 18-4009) to clarify when force is justified in defense of property or persons. It directly affects individuals claiming self-defense during unlawful entries into homes, businesses, or vehicles. The key change adds a presumption: if someone unlawfully enters a habitation, business, or vehicle by force or stealth, they are presumed to intend to commit a felony. This shifts the burden of proof in such cases, making it easier to establish self-defense under specific entry scenarios. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.
