Idaho Bills
2 bills · 2026 Regular Session
Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding termination of parent and child relationships.
Under Title 16, Chapter 20, this would add to the list, circumstances upon which a parent’s rights can be terminated. Currently the court may grant an order terminating the relationship of the parent and child and may rebuttably presume that such termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child. Currently language only includes in subsection (2) (b) (ii) “Sexual abuse against a child of the parent.” This would add language to include sexual abuse against any child as defined in current code, any conduct described in section 18-1506, 18-1506A, 18-1507, 18-1508, 18-1508A, 18-6101, or 18-6604, Idaho Code.
Barbara Ehardt · HD-033A
Adds to existing law to provide requirements for the Department of Health and Welfare to apply and reserve federal benefits for children in the department's legal custody.
The Trump Administration has encouraged States to preserve Social Security survivor benefits for foster youth rather than divert them to offset state government costs. Survivor benefits are an earned benefit through work and represent perhaps the last financial support a deceased parent can provide their child. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare ended this diversion through administrative action in 2025, and this bill codifies this practice to ensure foster youth will continue to have access to their deceased parents' survivor benefits over time.
Josh Tanner · HD-014B
31 – 3