House Bill No. 3 Summary

• Revises the definition of "neglected" child in Idaho Code Section 16-1602 to clarify that children engaging in independent activities are not automatically considered neglected.

• Explicitly protects independent activities including traveling to/from school by walking, running or bicycling; visiting nearby commercial or recreational facilities; outdoor play; remaining home unattended; and remaining in a vehicle with safe temperature conditions.

• Changes language from "are is unable" to "is unable" in the neglect definition regarding parents or custodians unable to discharge their responsibilities (technical correction).

• Maintains exception that children receiving treatment by prayers through spiritual means alone rather than medical treatment cannot be deemed neglected for that reason alone.

• Makes technical corrections to the definitions section including fixing grammatical issues with "activity activities" to "activities" in the disability definition.