February 6, 2023
Boise–In his recent newsletter, Representative Vito Barbieri [R] shared the following updates on several bills that are currently working their way through the Idaho House and Senate. He wrote:
House Bill 1-
House Bill 1 already passed the House and has now moved to the Senate. HB1 ensures that post-election audits of paper ballots are conducted using a hand count of those paper ballots. Read the Full Bill Text Here
House Bill 2-
NO FUNDS FOR ABORTION ACT
House Bill 2 was introduced last week and it is now waiting for a full vote by the House. This legislation amends the No Public Funds for Abortion Act. The new section adds 18-8709 to withhold sales and use tax revenues from local government entities that issue proclamations, or take similar actions, to defy state law and refuse to investigate or enforce Idaho criminal abortion statutes. Said funds may be released to an offending local government if compliance occurs within a certain time. Should the local government entity not comply, said funds shall be forfeited and deposited in the state general fund. Read the Full Bill Text Here
HOUSE BILL 20-
CHILD PROTECTION/FALSE REPORTS
HB 20 was printed in the House, it is now awaiting a full hearing. HB20 refers to Section 16-1607 related to reporting abuse, neglect or the abandonment of children under the Child Protective Act. Currently, a person who reports allegations to CPS that they know to be false or reports allegations in bad faith or with malice is subject to civil liability to the parties against whom the report was made. This legislation retains the civil liability and adds a misdemeanor criminal penalty for these types of reports. Read the Full Bill Text Here
HOUSE BILL 24-
STUDENT GRANT PROGRAM
This bill expands the existing Idaho Launch program to high school graduates starting with the class of 2024. Eligible graduates can receive a grant of $8,500 to be redeemed at the workforce training provider, career technical program, community college, or college of their choice. Preference will be given to students pursuing in-demand careers based on job market data. Read the Full Bill Text Here
SENATE BILL 1005-
VACCINATION EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION
Senate Bill 1005 was printed in the Senate, it is now awaiting a full hearing in Health and welfare. This legislation requires licensed daycare facilities to notify parents or guardians of their right to vaccine exemptions anytime the licensed daycare facilities communicate with parents regarding vaccination requirements. Vaccine exemptions for children attending licensed daycare facilities exist in Idaho code 39-1118. With the addition of this legislation, any notifications to parents or guardians regarding vaccinations must include a description of their right to exempt their child. Read the Full Bill Text Here
SENATE BILL 1012-
PATIENT’S RIGHT TO VISIT
SB 1012 was printed in the Senate and it is now awaiting a full hearing in Health and Welfare. The legislation seeks to amend Title 39, Idaho Code, by adding a new chapter that provides for a “Patient’s Right to Visitation”, where Idaho families will have the fundamental right to visit their loved ones who are receiving care in hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities. No healthcare facility in Idaho may require a vaccine as a condition of visitation and every healthcare facility must allow their residents and patients to be hugged by their loved ones. Furthermore, this right of visitation cannot be waived by an emergency declaration. Read the Full Bill Text Here
