Idaho Bills

Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding allegations of abuse and temporary and ex parte orders.

RS33684 / S1393 This legislation amends Idaho child custody law by requiring investigations when abuse is alleged, limiting how long temporary or emergency custody orders can last, and requiring stronger evidence before courts restrict a parent’s custody or parenting time.

Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding supervised visitation.

RS33685 / S1394 This bill updates Idaho custody law to limit and review supervised visitation, requiring courts to justify it, review it within 49 days, and set clear steps for a parent to return to unsupervised parenting time.

Amends and adds to revise provisions regarding Idaho child custody laws.

RS33686 / S1395 This legislation would create a presumption of substantially equal custody between parents in Idaho and require clear evidence before limiting a parent's custody rights. It adds legislative intent and definitions.

Adds to existing law to provide for restoration of lost parenting time.

RS33668 / H0859 This bill creates a new section in Idaho's child custody laws requiring courts to promptly restore a parent's lost or restricted parenting time when allegations of abuse (that led to custody restrictions, suspension, or supervision) are later adjudicated and found unsubstantiated or not proven by clear and convincing evidence.

Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding Idaho child custody laws.

This bill revises Idaho’s child custody laws to strengthen protections for fundamental parental rights and establish a presumption that substantially equal parenting time is in a child’s best interest unless rebutted by clear and convincing evidence of substantial harm. It requires courts to hold evidentiary hearings and issue detailed written findings before restricting a parent’s custody or parenting time, and it limits the use and duration of temporary, ex parte, or supervised visitation orders without proper findings. The bill creates structured “restoration plans” to ensure that any restricted parenting time is automatically returned once specific, objective conditions are met, and it mandates compensatory time when parenting time is wrongfully denied. It provides both parents equal access to their child’s medical, educational, and other records regardless of custodial status, and clarifies standards for abuse investigations and the role of court-appointed professionals. Additionally, it defines key custody-related terms, establishes remedies for violations of the statutory protections, and updates related code sections to align with the new framework.

Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for parents' access to records and information.

RS33666 / H0857 This bill strengthens the law on parents' access to records and information about their minor child.

Amends existing law to provide restrictions for court-appointed professionals.

RS33667 / H0858 This bill establishes restrictions and requirements on court-appointed professionals (particularly parenting coordinators) in child custody cases. It clarifies that these professionals serve only in an advisory capacity, with final decisions on custody, parenting time, and decision-making remaining with the court. The changes aim to increase transparency, accountability, and protections in the use of parenting coordinators while ensuring parents retain due process rights.