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ID S1257
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Health and Welfare Committee
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AI Summary
- Adds a new definition of "visitation" to Idaho's child protection statutes, encompassing in-person visits, video communication, telephonic contact, and written communication between a child and the child's parent, guardian, custodian, or siblings
- Prohibits in-person visitation when the Department of Health and Welfare has a substantiated claim of sexual abuse or physical abuse against a parent, guardian, or custodian, unless the court finds such visitation is in the child's best interest and sets written safety conditions, including no unsupervised contact, no lap-sitting in sexual abuse cases, and no secret communications
- Adds a new ground for termination of parental rights when a parent is incarcerated at the time of the termination hearing, has been or will likely remain incarcerated for a substantial portion of the child's minority, and termination is initiated by the department for a child in its legal custody
- Establishes additional best-interest factors for termination cases arising from child protection proceedings, including the parent's reunification efforts, ability to live a law-abiding life, and the strength of the child's bond with a substitute caretaker and potential psychological harm from removal
- Declares an emergency and takes effect July 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding visitation and termination of parental rights.
CHILD PROTECTION
Last Action
Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/16/2026
Committee Referrals
Health and Welfare3/2/2026
Judiciary and Rules2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available