Bill > H0682

This bill amends existing Idaho law regarding the termination of parental and child relationships, outlining the conditions under which a court can grant such an order. It specifies that termination can occur if it's in the child's best interest and the parent has abandoned, neglected, or abused the child, is not the biological parent, is unable to discharge parental responsibilities for a prolonged and injurious period, or faces long-term incarceration. The bill also introduces additional factors for courts to consider when determining a child's best interest in cases filed under a specific chapter of Idaho Code, including the parent's efforts to improve their parenting capacity, their ability to live a law-abiding life, and the strength of the child's bond with a substitute caretaker. Furthermore, it establishes a rebuttable presumption that termination is in the child's best interest under certain severe circumstances, such as the parent causing the child's conception through specific sexual offenses, engaging in chronic abuse or neglect, torture, murder, or if the child is deemed an abandoned infant. The bill explicitly states that termination cannot be based on a child's immunization status and allows for termination if it's in the best interest of both the parent and child. It also details the process for voluntary termination through consent, including requirements for witnessing and forms, and outlines how consents or relinquishments from other states will be accepted. Finally, the bill specifies when court hearings are not required for termination, such as when a parent has voluntarily consented to termination in conjunction with an adoption petition or when the child is in the legal custody of the department.

Justice

Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0682/