Bill > H0668

This bill aims to strengthen Idaho's child custody interference laws by clarifying enforcement, providing consistent guidance, setting clear timelines, and implementing a system of escalating penalties for repeat offenders, recognizing child custody interference as a distinct criminal offense from kidnapping and ensuring prompt welfare checks for affected children. It revises the definition of child custody interference, expands the affirmative defenses to include situations where compliance with a custody order is temporarily impracticable due to circumstances beyond a parent's control, provided specific conditions are met and documented, and establishes a graduated penalty structure, starting with infractions for first and second offenses and progressing to misdemeanors and felonies for subsequent offenses, while also requiring law enforcement to conduct safety checks and file detailed reports in all child custody interference cases. Additionally, the bill allows for the recovery of reasonable expenses incurred by a lawful custodian in locating a child and mandates that additional periods of custody or visitation be granted to compensate for denied time.

Justice

Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0668/