Criminal Justice

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 17, 2026

H 679: DEFENSE OF SELF OR OTHERS, MOTOR VEHICLES, AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES ON ROADS – Amends and adds to existing law to revise a provision regarding defense of self or others, to provide for operators of a motor vehicle, and to establish provisions regarding public assemblies on roads.

H 679 amends Idaho's self-defense laws to clarify that individuals may use reasonable force (including standing their ground) to protect themselves or others from serious crimes like assault or murder, without needing to retreat. It specifically allows motor vehicle operators to use their vehicle defensively against attackers without criminal liability if they reasonably believe occupants are in imminent danger. The bill also creates new rules for public assemblies on roads, requiring public entities to establish permit policies for road closures while protecting spontaneous gatherings from obstruction. Participants must comply with traffic laws, and violations of permit terms or safety rules may result in misdemeanor penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands self-defense rights, protecting individuals' civil rights under criminal procedure without requiring retreat for serious crimes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

Track

passed · Idaho · House Mar 2, 2026

H 700: UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions prohibiting the unlawful employment of unauthorized aliens.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates misdemeanor for unlawful employment of unauthorized aliens, expanding criminalization (an oppose indicator) without addressing core criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits hiring unauthorized aliens, mandates e-Verify, classifies violations as misdemeanors - strengthens state immigration enforcement95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Work Authorization

Track

signed · Idaho · House Mar 20, 2026

H 697: ELECTIONS – Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for the crime of illegal voting, to provide for the crime of interference with an election, and to provide for the crime of tampering with voting machines or vote tally systems.

H 697 creates new felony crimes related to election violations in Idaho. It defines three specific offenses: voting illegally (e.g., by someone not entitled to vote or voting multiple times), interfering with elections (e.g., altering ballots or destroying election materials), and tampering with voting machines or tally systems. These provisions replace outdated language and establish clear felony penalties for these actions. The bill directly affects individuals who commit these specific election-related violations, making them subject to criminal prosecution.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new felony crimes for election violations, expanding criminalization of voter-related conduct rather than advancing reform.92% confidence

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 26, 2026

H 764: CONCEALING, HARBORING, AND SHIELDING ALIENS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding the concealing, harboring, and shielding of aliens.

Idaho's H 764 establishes new state law prohibiting organizations (and their officers or agents) from concealing, harboring, or shielding undocumented immigrants within Idaho. It specifically bans actions like providing shelter, financial support, transportation, or legal assistance to immigrants who entered or remain in the U.S. unlawfully, if the organization knows or recklessly disregards this fact. Violations carry penalties including misdemeanor or felony charges (depending on the number of immigrants involved), fines up to $3,000 per offense per immigrant, and potential revocation of business licenses. Exceptions cover law enforcement, medical personnel providing emergency care, and state courts performing official duties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds criminal penalties for harboring undocumented immigrants, expanding criminalization in immigration enforcement per Criminal Offenses and Procedures subjects.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits organizations from providing shelter, financial support, or legal assistance to undocumented immigrants, imposing penalties for 'concealing, harboring, or shielding' them.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

passed · Idaho · House Mar 11, 2026

H 668: CHILD CUSTODY INTERFERENCE – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for penalties, enforcement requirements, and affirmative defenses regarding child custody interference.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal enforcement by clarifying penalties for custody interference, establishing graduated fines/jail terms, and adding enforcement requirements within criminal justice framework.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track

in committee · Idaho · Senate Feb 17, 2026

S 1298: SELF-DEFENSE – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding immunity and reimbursement for justifiable homicide and defense of self, others, and certain places.

S 1298 establishes legal immunity from criminal prosecution for individuals who use force (including deadly force) in self-defense, defense of others, or defense of certain places when justified under Idaho law. It requires courts to dismiss criminal charges if the use of force is shown to be justified, and mandates counties to reimburse individuals for legal fees, lost wages, and other expenses if the case is dismissed or they are found not guilty. The bill also requires automatic expungement of criminal records related to the case, treating the person as if the arrest and prosecution never occurred. These provisions apply to any person, including businesses, who lawfully defend themselves, others, or specific locations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides immunity for justified self-defense, requiring charge dismissal and reimbursing defendants, protecting civil rights in criminal procedure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Violent Crime

Track

signed · Idaho · House Mar 20, 2026

H 698: VOTING – Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding voting by persons convicted of felonies in other states.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for out-of-state felons post-sentence, aligning with civil rights and correctional reform indicators under criminal justice policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Firearms

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 17, 2026

H 693: CONCEALING, HARBORING, AND SHIELDING ALIENS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding the concealing, harboring, and shielding of aliens.

This Idaho bill (H 693) creates new criminal penalties for organizations that knowingly help undocumented immigrants avoid detection or provide them shelter, financial support, or transportation. It prohibits businesses, nonprofits, or their leaders from concealing, harboring, or facilitating the illegal presence of undocumented immigrants they know are in the U.S. unlawfully. Violations could result in misdemeanor or felony charges (with felony status for aiding five or more immigrants), plus business license revocation for repeat offenses, while exempting law enforcement and emergency responders acting in their official capacity.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by imposing penalties on organizations aiding undocumented immigrants, increasing criminal liability under immigration enforcement.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationCriminalizes aiding undocumented immigrants with penalties, restricting services and increasing state enforcement against immigrant support networks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

signed · Idaho · Senate Mar 26, 2026

S 1311: IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEMS – Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding ignition interlock systems.

This bill requires courts to mandate ignition interlock devices for certain DUI offenders in Idaho. Specifically, it orders convicted drivers (who had suspended sentences) to install state-approved devices on all their vehicles at their own expense, preventing cars from starting if alcohol is detected above a .025 BAC level. The device must be certified by the transportation department, and courts may help cover costs for those demonstrating financial hardship. The restriction lasts one year from when the device is proven installed, and fees collected fund a dedicated court device account.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates ignition interlocks for DUI offenders to prevent repeat offenses, reducing recidivism - a key criminal justice reform goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

signed · Idaho · House Mar 30, 2026

H 575: STATE CONTROLLER – Amends existing law to provide that the State Controller shall publish a list of asset forfeitures and to provide that law enforcement shall report asset forfeiture information to the State Controller.

H 575 requires Idaho's State Controller to publish a public list of property seized through asset forfeiture cases. It mandates that state, county, and local law enforcement agencies report asset forfeiture details to the State Controller. The law applies specifically to property seized under Idaho's controlled substances laws (as defined in Section 37-2744). This creates a centralized, transparent record of these seizures for public access.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates public transparency in asset forfeiture, enhancing law enforcement accountability and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement