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Statutes: Idaho

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Statutes: Idaho

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Statutes and Constitution are current with effective legislation through Chapters 1 to 314 of the First Regular Session of the Sixty-Seventh Idaho Legislature. Please check to make sure there have been no changes since this time. You will find these and additional statutes online on the Idaho Legislature website here.

Idaho Code

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Title 1. Courts and Court Officials

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Chapter 23. Small Claims Department of the Magistrate Division

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

1-2301. Small claims department--Creation--Scope of claims--Venue

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

In every magistrate’s division of the district court of this state, the district court may create and organize a “Small Claims Department of the Magistrate’s Division,” which shall have jurisdiction in cases for the recovery of money where the amount of each claim does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), and in cases for the recovery of personal property where the value of the property does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000); provided however, that the small claims department shall not award punitive damages or damages for pain or suffering in any proceeding. Any action brought in a small claims department of the magistrate’s division shall be brought in the magistrate’s division in the county where the defendant resides or the county where the cause of action arose. A defendant may request a change of venue if an action is brought in an improper county.

Title 7. Special Proceedings

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Chapter 11. Proceedings to Establish Paternity

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

7-1121. Order for support--Continuance beyond age of 18--Other payments by father

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) In a proceeding in which the court has made an order of filiation, the court may direct a father possessed of sufficient means or able to earn such means to pay monthly or at other fixed periods a fair and reasonable sum for the support and education of the child until the child is eighteen (18) years of age. If the child continues his high school education subsequent to reaching the age of eighteen (18) years, the court may, in its discretion, order the continuation of support payments until the child discontinues his high school education or reaches the age of nineteen (19) years, whichever is sooner.

(2) The order of filiation may direct the father to pay or reimburse amounts paid for the support of the child prior to the date of the order of filiation and may also direct him to pay or reimburse amounts paid for: (a) the funeral expenses if the child has died; (b) the necessary expenses incurred by or for the mother in connection with her confinement and recovery; and (c) such expenses in connection with the pregnancy of the mother as the court may deem proper.

(3) If the father is a minor at the time the order is entered, the order shall continue in effect as a valid order after the father reaches majority, and cannot be disaffirmed by the minor himself or personal representatives.

(4) Upon the receipt of a genetic test result with a probability of paternity of at least ninety-eight percent (98%) the court shall, upon motion by a party, order temporary support for the child pending a final order of paternity and support. The support shall be in accordance with the Idaho child support guidelines.

(5) All child support orders shall notify the obligor that the order will be enforced by income withholding pursuant to chapter 12, title 32, Idaho Code. Failure to include this provision does not affect the validity of the support order. The court shall require that the social security numbers of both the obligor and obligee be included in the order or decree.

Title 18. Crimes and Punishments

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Chapter 1. Preliminary Provisions

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-111. Felony, misdemeanor and infraction defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

A felony is a crime which is punishable with death or by imprisonment in the state prison. An infraction is a civil public offense, not constituting a crime, which is punishable only by a penalty not exceeding three hundred dollars ($300) and for which no period of incarceration may be imposed. Every other crime is a misdemeanor. When a crime punishable by imprisonment in the state prison is also punishable by fine or imprisonment in a county jail, in the discretion of the court, it shall be deemed a misdemeanor for all purposes after a judgment imposing a punishment other than imprisonment in the state prison.

18-113. Punishment for misdemeanor

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed in this code, every offense declared to be a misdemeanor, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six (6) months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both.

(2) In addition to any other punishment prescribed for misdemeanors in specific statutes of the Idaho Code, the court may also impose a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000). This paragraph shall not apply if the specific misdemeanor statute provides for the imposition of a fine.

Chapter 3. Nature and Extent of Punishment in General

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-310. Imprisonment--Effect on civil rights and offices

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

 

(1) A sentence of custody to the Idaho state board of correction suspends all the civil rights of the person so sentenced, including the right to refuse treatment authorized by the sentencing court, and forfeits all public offices and all private trusts, authority or power during such imprisonment: provided that any such person may bring an action for damages or other relief in the courts of this state or have an action brought against such person; and provided further that any such person may lawfully exercise all civil rights that are not political during any period of parole or probation, except the right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm, and the right to refuse treatment authorized by the sentencing court.

(2) Upon final discharge, a person convicted of any Idaho felony shall be restored the full rights of citizenship, except that for persons convicted of treason or those offenses enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (hh) of this subsection the right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm shall not be restored. As used in this subsection, “final discharge” means satisfactory completion of imprisonment, probation and parole as the case may be.

(a) Aggravated assault (18-905, 18-915, Idaho Code);

(b) Aggravated battery (18-907, 18-915, Idaho Code);

(c) Assault with intent to commit a serious felony (18-909, 18-915, Idaho Code);

(d) Battery with intent to commit a serious felony (18-911, 18-915, Idaho Code);

(e) Burglary (18-1401, Idaho Code);

(f) Domestic battery, felony (18-918, Idaho Code);

(g) Enticing of children, felony (18-1509, Idaho Code);

(h) Forcible sexual penetration by use of a foreign object (18-6604, Idaho Code);

(i) Indecent exposure, felony (18-4116, Idaho Code);

(j) Injury to child, felony (18-1501, Idaho Code);

(k) Intimidating a witness, felony (18-2604, Idaho Code);

(l) Lewd conduct with a minor or child under sixteen (18-1508, Idaho Code);

(m) Sexual abuse of a child under sixteen (18-1506, Idaho Code);

(n) Sexual exploitation of a child (18-1507, Idaho Code);

(o) Felonious rescuing prisoners (18-2501, Idaho Code);

(p) Escape by one charged with, convicted of or on probation for a felony (18-2505, Idaho Code);

(q) Unlawful possession of a firearm (18-3316, Idaho Code);

(r) Degrees of murder (18-4003, Idaho Code);

(s) Voluntary manslaughter (18-4006(1), Idaho Code);

(t) Assault with intent to murder (18-4015, Idaho Code);

(u) Administering poison with intent to kill (18-4014, Idaho Code);

(v) Kidnapping (18-4501, Idaho Code);

(w) Mayhem (18-5001, Idaho Code);

(x) Rape (18-6101, Idaho Code);

(y) Robbery (18-6501, Idaho Code);

(z) Ritualized abuse of a child (18-1506A, Idaho Code);

(aa) Cannibalism (18-5003, Idaho Code);

(bb) Felonious manufacture, delivery or possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver, or possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance (37-2732, Idaho Code);

(cc) Trafficking (37-2732B, Idaho Code);

(dd) Threats against state officials of the executive, legislative or judicial branch, felony (18-1353A, Idaho Code);

(ee) Unlawful discharge of a firearm at a dwelling house, occupied building, vehicle or mobile home (18-3317, Idaho Code);

(ff) Unlawful possession of destructive devices (18-3319, Idaho Code);

(gg) Unlawful use of destructive device or bomb (18-3320, Idaho Code);

(hh) Attempt (18-306, Idaho Code), conspiracy (18-1701, Idaho Code), or solicitation (18-2001, Idaho Code), to commit any of the crimes described in paragraphs (a) through (gg) of this subsection.

(ii) The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to those persons convicted of the enumerated felonies in paragraphs (a) through (hh) of this subsection on or after July 1, 1991, except that persons convicted of the felonies enumerated in paragraphs (r) and (s) of this subsection, for any degree of murder or voluntary manslaughter, shall not be restored the right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm, regardless of the date of their conviction if the conviction was the result of an offense committed by use of a firearm.

(3) A person not restored to the civil right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm may make application to the commission of pardons and parole to restore the civil right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm. The commission shall not accept any such application until five (5) years after the date of final discharge. The commission shall conduct the proceeding upon such application pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the law. The commission shall not restore the right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm to any person convicted of murder in the first degree (18-4003, Idaho Code), murder in the second degree (18-4003, Idaho Code), or any felony enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (hh) of subsection (2) of this section, upon which the sentence was enhanced for the use of a firearm during the commission of said felony.(4) Persons convicted of felonies in other states or jurisdictions shall be allowed to register and vote in Idaho upon final discharge which means satisfactory completion of imprisonment, probation and parole as the case may be. These individuals shall not have the right restored to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm in the same manner as an Idaho felon as provided in subsection (2) of this section

Chapter 9. Assault and Battery

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-901. Assault defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

An assault is:

(a) An unlawful attempt, coupled with apparent ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another; or

(b) An intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which creates a well-founded fear in such other person that such violence is imminent.

18-903. Battery defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

A battery is any:

(a) Willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another; or

(b) Actual, intentional and unlawful touching or striking of another person against the will of the other; or

(c) Unlawfully and intentionally causing bodily harm to an individual.

18-905. Aggravated assault defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

An aggravated assault is an assault:

(a) With a deadly weapon or instrument without intent to kill; or

(b) By any means or force likely to produce great bodily harm.[; or]

(c) With any vitriol, corrosive acid, or a caustic chemical of any kind.

(d) “Deadly weapon or instrument” as used in this chapter is defined to include any firearm, though unloaded or so defective that it can not be fired.

18-907. Aggravated battery defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) A person commits aggravated battery who, in committing battery:

(a) Causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement; or

(b) Uses a deadly weapon or instrument; or

(c) Uses any vitriol, corrosive acid, or a caustic chemical of any nature; or

(d) Uses any poison or other noxious or destructive substance or liquid; or

(e) Upon the person of a pregnant female, causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement to an embryo or fetus.

(2) For purposes of this section the terms “embryo” or “fetus” shall mean any human in utero.

(3) There shall be no prosecution under subsection (1)(e) of this section:

(a) Of any person for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant female, or person authorized by law to act on her behalf, has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law.

(b) Of any person for any medical treatment of the pregnant female or her embryo or fetus; or

(c) Of any female with respect to her embryo or fetus.

(4) Nothing in this chapter is intended to amend or nullify the provisions of chapter 6, title 18, Idaho Code.

18-918. Domestic violence

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) For the purpose of this section:

(a) “Household member” means a person who is a spouse, former spouse, or a person who has a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or a person with whom a person is cohabiting, whether or not they have married or have held themselves out to be husband or wife.

(b) “Traumatic injury” means a condition of the body, such as a wound or external or internal injury, whether of a minor or serious nature, caused by physical force.

(2)(a) Any household member who in committing a battery, as defined in section 18-903, Idaho Code, inflicts a traumatic injury upon any other household member is guilty of a felony.

(b) A conviction of felony domestic battery is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed ten (10) years or by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or by both fine and imprisonment.

(3)(a) A household member who commits an assault, as defined in section 18-901, Idaho Code, against another household member which does not result in traumatic injury is guilty of a misdemeanor domestic assault.

(b) A household member who commits a battery, as defined in section 18-903, Idaho Code, against another household member which does not result in traumatic injury is guilty of a misdemeanor domestic battery.

(c) A first conviction under this subsection is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this subsection who previously has pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this subsection, or of any substantially conforming foreign criminal violation, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment, within ten (10) years of the first conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed one (1) year or by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000) or by both fine and imprisonment. Any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this subsection who previously has pled guilty to or been found guilty of two (2) violations of this subsection, or of any substantially conforming foreign criminal violation or any combination thereof, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment, within fifteen (15) years of the first conviction, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed five (5) years or by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by both fine and imprisonment.

(4) The maximum penalties provided in this section shall be doubled where the act of domestic assault or battery for which the person is convicted or pleads guilty took place in the presence of a child. For purposes of this section, “in the presence of a child” means in the physical presence of a child or knowing that a child is present and may see or hear an act of domestic assault or battery. For purposes of this section, “child” means a person under sixteen (16) years of age.

(5) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, any person who previously has pled guilty to or been found guilty of a felony violation of the provisions of this section or of any substantially conforming foreign criminal felony violation, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment, and who, within fifteen (15) years, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of any further violation of this section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed ten (10) years or by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(6) For the purposes of this section, a substantially conforming foreign criminal violation exists when a person has pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of any federal law or law of another state, or any valid county, city or town ordinance of another state, substantially conforming with the provisions of this section. The determination of whether a foreign criminal violation is substantially conforming is a question of law to be determined by the court.

(7)(a) Any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this section or section 18-923, Idaho Code, shall undergo, at the person’s own expense, an evaluation by a person, agency or organization approved by the court in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection to determine whether the defendant should be required to obtain counseling or other appropriate treatment. Such evaluation shall be completed prior to the sentencing date if the court’s list of approved evaluators, in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection, contains evaluators who are able to perform the evaluation prior to the sentencing dates. If the evaluation recommends counseling or other treatment, the evaluation shall recommend the type of counseling or treatment considered appropriate for the defendant, together with the estimated costs thereof, and shall recommend any other suitable alternative counseling or treatment programs, together with the estimated costs thereof. The defendant shall request that a copy of the completed evaluation be forwarded to the court. The court shall take the evaluation into consideration in determining an appropriate sentence. If a copy of the completed evaluation has not been provided to the court, the court may proceed to sentence the defendant; however, in such event, it shall be presumed that counseling is required unless the defendant makes a showing by a preponderance of evidence that counseling is not required. If the defendant has not made a good faith effort to provide the completed copy of the evaluation to the court, the court may consider the failure of the defendant to provide the report as an aggravating circumstance in determining an appropriate sentence. If counseling or other treatment is ordered, in no event shall the person, agency or organization doing the evaluation be the person, agency or organization that provides the counseling or other treatment unless this requirement is waived by the sentencing court, with the exception of federally recognized Indian tribes or federal military installations, where diagnosis and treatment are appropriate and available. Nothing herein contained shall preclude the use of funds authorized for court-ordered counseling or treatment pursuant to this section for indigent defendants as provided by law. In the event that funding is provided for or on behalf of the defendant by a governmental entity, the defendant shall be ordered to make restitution to such governmental entity in accordance with the restitution procedure for crime victims, as specified under chapter 53, title 19, Idaho Code.

(b) If the evaluation recommends counseling or other treatment, the court shall order the person to complete the counseling or other treatment in addition to any other sentence which may be imposed. If the court determines that counseling or treatment would be inappropriate or undesirable, the court shall enter findings articulating the reasons for such determination on the record. The court shall order the defendant to complete the preferred counseling or treatment program set forth in the evaluation, or a comparable alternative, unless it appears that the defendant cannot reasonably obtain adequate financial resources for such counseling or treatment. In that event, the court may order the defendant to complete a less costly alternative set forth in the evaluation or a comparable program. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed as requiring a court to order that counseling or treatment be provided at government expense unless otherwise required by law.

(c) The supreme court shall by rule establish a uniform system for the qualification and approval of persons, agencies or organizations to perform the evaluations required in this subsection. Only qualified evaluators approved by the court shall be authorized to perform such evaluations. Funds to establish a system for approval of evaluators shall be derived from moneys designated therefor and deposited in the district court fund as provided in section 31-3201A(16), Idaho Code.

(d) Counseling or treatment ordered pursuant to this section shall be conducted according to standards established or approved by the Idaho council on domestic violence and victim assistance.

Chapter 30. False Personation - Fraudulent Marriages

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-3001. False personation

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Every person who falsely personates another, and in such assumed character, either:

1. Becomes bail or surety for any party in any proceeding whatever, before any court or officer authorized to take such bail or surety; or

2. Verifies, publishes, acknowledges or proves in the name of another person, any written instrument, with the intent that the same may be recorded, delivered and used as true; or

3. Does any act whereby, if it were done by the person falsely personated, he might in any event, become liable to any suit or prosecution, or to pay any sum of money, or to incur any charge, forfeiture or penalty, or whereby any benefit might accrue to the party personating, or to any other person;

Is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding two (2) years, or by a fine not exceeding $ 5000.

18-3005. Intimidation by false assertion of authority

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Any person who either:

(a) Deliberately impersonates or falsely acts as a public officer or tribunal, public employee or any law enforcement authority in connection with or relating to any actual or purported legal process affecting persons or property; or

(b) Simulates legal process including, but not limited to, actions affecting title to real or personal property, indictments, subpoenas, warrants, injunctions, liens, orders, judgments, or any legal documents or proceedings; knowing or having reason to know the contents of any such documents or proceedings or the basis for any action to be fraudulent; or

(c) While acting falsely in asserting authority of law takes action against persons or property; or

(d) While acting falsely in asserting authority of law attempts in any way to influence, intimidate, or hinder a public official or law enforcement officer in the discharge of his official duties by means of, but not limited to, threats of or actual physical abuse, harassment, or through the use of simulated legal process;

Is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed one (1) year, or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($ 1,000) or both.

(2) (a) Nothing in this section shall make unlawful any act of any law enforcement officer or legal tribunal which is performed under lawful authority; and

(b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit individuals from assembling freely to express opinions or designate group affiliation or association; and

(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit or in any way limit a person’s lawful and legitimate access to the courts or prevent a person from instituting or responding to legitimate and lawful legal process.

Chapter 31. False Pretenses, Cheats and Misrepresentations

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-3126. Misappropriation of personal identifying information

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

It is unlawful for any person to obtain or record personal identifying information of another person without the authorization of that person, with the intent that the information be used to obtain, or attempt to obtain, credit, money, goods or services without the consent of that person.

18-3126A. Acquisition of personal identifying information by false authority

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

It is unlawful for any person to falsely assume or pretend to be a member of the armed forces of the United States or an officer or employee acting under authority of the United States or any department, agency or office thereof or of the state of Idaho or any department, agency or office thereof, and in such pretended character, seek, demand, obtain or attempt to obtain personal identifying information of another person.

Chapter 33. Firearms, Explosives and Other Deadly Weapons

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-3302. Concealed weapons

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) The legislature hereby finds that the people of Idaho have reserved for themselves the right to keep and bear arms while granting the legislature the authority to regulate the carrying of weapons concealed. The provisions of this chapter regulating the carrying of weapons must be strictly construed so as to give maximum scope to the rights retained by the people.

(2) As used in this chapter:

(a) “Concealed weapon” means any deadly weapon carried on or about the person in a manner not discernible by ordinary observation;

(b) “Deadly weapon” means:

(i) Any dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife, dagger or firearm;

(ii) Any other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance that is designed and manufactured to be readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury; or

(iii) Any other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance that is intended by the person to be readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

(c) The term “deadly weapon” does not include:

(i) Any knife, cleaver or other instrument that is intended by the person to be used in the processing, preparation or eating of food;

(ii) Any knife with a blade six (6) inches or less; or

(iii) Any taser, stun-gun, pepper spray or mace;

(d) “Firearm” means any weapon that will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;

(e) “Loaded” means:

(i) For a firearm capable of using fixed ammunition, that live ammunition is present in:

1. The chamber or chambers of the firearm;

2. Any internal magazine of the firearm; or

3. A detachable magazine inserted in the firearm;

(ii) For a firearm that is not capable of using fixed ammunition, that the firearm contains:

1. A propellant charge; and

2. A priming cap or primer cap.

(3) No person shall carry concealed weapons on or about his person without a license to carry concealed weapons, except:

(a) In the person’s place of abode or fixed place of business;

(b) On property in which the person has any ownership or leasehold interest;

(c) On private property where the person has permission to carry concealed weapons from any person with an ownership or leasehold interest;

(d) Outside the limits of or confines of any city, if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older and is not otherwise disqualified from being issued a license under subsection (11) of this section.

(4) Subsection (3) of this section shall not apply to restrict or prohibit the carrying or possession of:

(a) Any deadly weapon located in plain view;

(b) Any lawfully possessed shotgun or rifle;

(c) Any deadly weapon concealed in a motor vehicle;

(d) A firearm that is not loaded and is secured in a case;

(e) A firearm that is disassembled or permanently altered such that it is not readily operable; and

(f) Any deadly weapon concealed by a person who is:

(i) Over eighteen (18) years of age;

(ii) A resident of Idaho or a current member of the armed forces of the United States; and

(iii) Is not disqualified from being issued a license under paragraphs (b) through (n) of subsection (11) of this section. [(a)]

(5) The requirement to secure a license to carry concealed weapons under this section shall not apply to the following persons:

(a) Officials of a city, county or the state of Idaho;

(b) Any publicly elected Idaho official;

(c) Members of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard when in performance of official duties;

(d) Criminal investigators of the attorney general’s office and criminal investigators of a prosecuting attorney’s office, prosecutors and their deputies;

(e) Any peace officer as defined in section 19-5101(d), Idaho Code, in good standing;

(f) Retired peace officers or detention deputies with at least ten (10) years of service with the state or a political subdivision as a peace officer or detention deputy and who have been certified by the peace officer standards and training council;

(g) Any person who has physical possession of his valid license or permit authorizing him to carry concealed weapons from another state; and

(h) Any person who has physical possession of a valid license or permit from a local law enforcement agency or court of the United States authorizing him to carry concealed weapons.

(6) The sheriff of the county of the applicant’s residence or, if the applicant has obtained a protection order pursuant to chapter 63, title 39, Idaho Code, the sheriff of a county where the applicant is temporarily residing may issue a temporary emergency license for good cause pending review of an application made under subsection (7) of this section. Temporary emergency licenses must be easily distinguishable from regular licenses. A temporary emergency license shall be valid for not more than ninety (90) days.

(7) The sheriff of a county, on behalf of the state of Idaho, must, within ninety (90) days after the filing of a license application by any person who is not disqualified as provided herein from possessing or receiving a firearm under state or federal law, issue a license to the person to carry concealed weapons on his person within this state. Such license shall be valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.

(8) The sheriff must make license applications readily available at the office of the sheriff, at other public offices in his or her jurisdiction and on the website of the Idaho state police. The license application shall be in a form to be prescribed by the director of the Idaho state police and must meet the following requirements:

(a) The license application shall require the applicant’s name, address, description, signature, date of birth, place of birth, military status, citizenship and the driver’s license number or state identification card number if used for identification in applying for the license. Provided however, that if the applicant is not a United States citizen and is legally in the United States, the application must also require any alien or admission number issued to the applicant by United States immigration and customs enforcement or any successor agency;

(b) The license application may ask the applicant to disclose his social security number but must indicate that disclosure of the applicant’s social security number is optional; and

(c) The license application must contain a warning that substantially reads as follows:

CAUTION: Federal law and state law on the possession of weapons and firearms differ. If you are prohibited by federal law from possessing a weapon or a firearm, you may be prosecuted in federal court. A state permit is not a defense to a federal prosecution.

(9) The sheriff may require the applicant to demonstrate familiarity with a firearm and must accept any one (1) of the following as evidence of the applicant’s familiarity with a firearm:

(a) Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the department of fish and game or a similar agency of another state;

(b) Completion of any national rifle association firearms safety or training course or any national rifle association hunter education course or any equivalent course;

(c) Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, community college, college, university or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the national rifle association or the Idaho state police;

(d) Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or offered for any division or subdivision of a law enforcement agency or security enforcement agency;

(e) Evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or military service;

(f) A current license to carry concealed weapons pursuant to this section, unless the license has been revoked for cause;

(g) Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified or national rifle association-certified firearms instructor; or

(h) Other training that the sheriff deems appropriate.

(10) Any person applying for original issuance of a license to carry concealed weapons must submit his fingerprints with the completed license application. Within five (5) days after the filing of an application, the sheriff must forward the applicant’s completed license application and fingerprints to the Idaho state police. The Idaho state police must conduct a national fingerprint-based records check, an inquiry through the national instant criminal background check system and a check of any applicable state database, including a check for any mental health records for conditions or commitments that would disqualify a person from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, and return the results to the sheriff within sixty (60) days. If the applicant is not a United States citizen, an immigration alien query must also be conducted through United States immigration and customs enforcement or any successor agency. The sheriff shall not issue a license before receiving the results of the records check and must deny a license if the applicant is disqualified under any of the criteria listed in subsection (11) of this section. The sheriff may deny a license to carry concealed weapons to an alien if background information is not attainable or verifiable.

(11) A license to carry concealed weapons shall not be issued to any person who:

(a) Is under twenty-one (21) years of age, except as otherwise provided in this section;

(b) Is formally charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year;

(c) Has been adjudicated guilty in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year;

(d) Is a fugitive from justice;

(e) Is an unlawful user of marijuana or any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug, or any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802;

(f) Is currently suffering from or has been adjudicated as having suffered from any of the following conditions, based on substantial evidence:

(i) Lacking mental capacity as defined in section 18-210, Idaho Code;

(ii) Mentally ill as defined in section 66-317, Idaho Code;

(iii) Gravely disabled as defined in section 66-317, Idaho Code; or

(iv) An incapacitated person as defined in section 15-5-101, Idaho Code;

(g) Has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions;

(h) Has received a withheld judgment or suspended sentence for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year, unless the person has successfully completed probation;

(i) Has received a period of probation after having been adjudicated guilty of, or received a withheld judgment for, a misdemeanor offense that has as an element the intentional use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, unless the person has successfully completed probation;

(j) Is an alien illegally in the United States;

(k) Is a person who having been a citizen of the United States has renounced his or her citizenship;

(l) Is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a crime that would disqualify him from obtaining a concealed weapons license;

(m) Is subject to a protection order issued under chapter 63, title 39, Idaho Code, that restrains the person from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner of the person or child of the intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; or

(n) Is for any other reason ineligible to own, possess or receive a firearm under the provisions of Idaho or federal law.

(12) In making a determination in relation to an applicant’s eligibility under subsection (11) of this section, the sheriff shall not consider:

(a) A conviction, guilty plea or adjudication that has been nullified by expungement, pardon, setting aside or other comparable procedure by the jurisdiction where the conviction, guilty plea or adjudication occurred or in respect of which conviction, guilty plea or adjudication the applicant’s civil right to bear arms either specifically or in combination with other civil rights has been restored under operation of law or legal process; or

(b) Except as provided for in subsection (11)(f) of this section, an adjudication of mental defect, incapacity or illness or an involuntary commitment to a mental institution if the applicant’s civil right to bear arms has been restored under operation of law or legal process.

(13) A license to carry concealed weapons must be in a form substantially similar to that of the Idaho driver’s license and must meet the following specifications:

(a) The license must provide the licensee’s name, address, date of birth and the driver’s license number or state identification card number if used for identification in applying for the license;

(b) The license must bear the licensee’s signature and picture; and

(c) The license must provide the date of issuance and the date on which the license expires.

(14) Upon issuing a license under the provisions of this section, the sheriff must notify the Idaho state police within three (3) business days on a form or in a manner prescribed by the Idaho state police. Information relating to an applicant or licensee received or maintained pursuant to this section by the sheriff or Idaho state police is confidential and exempt from disclosure under section 74-105, Idaho Code.

(15) The fee for original issuance of a license shall be twenty dollars ($20.00), which the sheriff must retain for the purpose of performing the duties required in this section. The sheriff may collect the actual cost of any additional fees necessary to cover the cost of processing fingerprints lawfully required by any state or federal agency or department, and the actual cost of materials for the license lawfully required by any state agency or department, which costs must be paid to the state. The sheriff must provide the applicant with a copy of the results of the fingerprint-based records check upon request of the applicant.

(16) The fee for renewal of the license shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00), which the sheriff must retain for the purpose of performing the duties required in this section. The sheriff may collect the actual cost of any additional fees necessary to cover the processing costs lawfully required by any state or federal agency or department, and the actual cost of materials for the license lawfully required by any state agency or department, which costs must be paid to the state.

(17) Every license that is not, as provided by law, suspended, revoked or disqualified in this state shall be renewable at any time during the ninety (90) day period before its expiration or within ninety (90) days after the expiration date. The sheriff must mail renewal notices ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date of the license. The sheriff shall require the licensee applying for renewal to complete an application. The sheriff must submit the application to the Idaho state police for a records check of state and national databases. The Idaho state police must conduct the records check and return the results to the sheriff within thirty (30) days. The sheriff shall not issue a renewal before receiving the results of the records check and must deny a license if the applicant is disqualified under any of the criteria provided in this section. A renewal license shall be valid for a period of five (5) years. A license so renewed shall take effect on the expiration date of the prior license. A licensee renewing ninety-one (91) days to one hundred eighty (180) days after the expiration date of the license must pay a late renewal penalty of ten dollars ($10.00) in addition to the renewal fee unless waived by the sheriff, except that any licensee serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States during the renewal period shall not be required to pay a late renewal penalty upon renewing ninety-one (91) days to one hundred eighty (180) days after the expiration date of the license. After one hundred eighty-one (181) days, the licensee must submit an initial application for a license and pay the fees prescribed in subsection (15) of this section. The renewal fee and any penalty shall be paid to the sheriff for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. Upon renewing a license under the provisions of this section, the sheriff must notify the Idaho state police within five (5) days on a form or in a manner prescribed by the Idaho state police.

(18) No city, county or other political subdivision of this state shall modify or add to the requirements of this section, nor shall a city, county or political subdivision ask the applicant to voluntarily submit any information not required in this section. A civil action may be brought to enjoin a wrongful refusal to issue a license or a wrongful modification of the requirements of this section. The civil action may be brought in the county in which the application was made or in Ada county at the discretion of the petitioner. Any person who prevails against a public agency in any action in the courts for a violation of this section must be awarded costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in connection with the legal action.

(19) A county sheriff, deputy sheriff or county employee who issues a license to carry a concealed weapon under this section shall not incur any civil or criminal liability as the result of the performance of his duties in compliance with this section.

(20) The sheriff of a county shall issue a license to carry a concealed weapon to those individuals between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years who, except for the age requirement contained in section 18-3302K(4), Idaho Code, would otherwise meet the requirements for issuance of a license under section 18-3302K, Idaho Code. Licenses issued to individuals between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years under this subsection shall be easily distinguishable from licenses issued pursuant to subsection (7) of this section. A license issued pursuant to this subsection after July 1, 2016, shall expire on the twenty-first birthday of the licensee. A licensee, upon attaining the age of twenty-one (21) years, shall be allowed to renew the license under the procedure contained in section 18-3302K(9), Idaho Code. Such renewal license shall be issued as an enhanced license pursuant to the provisions of section 18-3302K, Idaho Code.

(21) A person carrying a concealed weapon in violation of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(22) The sheriff of the county where the license was issued or the sheriff of the county where the person resides shall have the power to revoke a license subsequent to a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code, for any of the following reasons:

(a) Fraud or intentional misrepresentation in the obtaining of a license;

(b) Misuse of a license, including lending or giving a license to another person, duplicating a license or using a license with the intent to unlawfully cause harm to a person or property;

(c) The doing of an act or existence of a condition that would have been grounds for the denial of the license by the sheriff;

(d) The violation of any of the terms of this section; or

(e) The applicant is adjudicated guilty of or receives a withheld judgment for a crime that would have disqualified him from initially receiving a license.

(23) A person twenty-one (21) years of age or older who presents a valid license to carry concealed weapons is exempt from any requirement to undergo a records check at the time of purchase or transfer of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Provided however, a temporary emergency license issued pursuant to subsection (6) of this section shall not exempt the holder of the license from any records check requirement.

(24) The attorney general must contact the appropriate officials in other states for the purpose of establishing, to the extent possible, recognition and reciprocity of the license to carry concealed weapons by other states, whether by formal agreement or otherwise. The Idaho state police must keep a copy and maintain a record of all such agreements and reciprocity recognitions, which must be made available to the public.

(25) Nothing in subsection (3) or (4) of this section shall be construed to limit the existing rights of a private property owner, private tenant, private employer or private business entity.(26) The provisions of this section are hereby declared to be severable and if any provision of this section or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of remaining portions of this section.

18-3316. Unlawful possession of a firearm

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) A person who previously has been convicted of a felony who purchases, owns, possesses, or has under his custody or control any firearm shall be guilty of a felony and shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a period of time not to exceed five (5) years and by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, “convicted of a felony” shall include a person who has entered a plea of guilty, nolo contendere or has been found guilty of any of the crimes enumerated in section 18-310, Idaho Code, or to a comparable felony crime in another state, territory, commonwealth, or other jurisdiction of the United States.

(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to a person whose conviction has been nullified by expungement, pardon, setting aside the conviction or other comparable procedure by the jurisdiction where the felony conviction occurred; or whose civil right to bear arms either specifically or in combination with other civil rights has been restored by any other provision of Idaho law.

Chapter 45. Kidnapping

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-4501. Kidnapping defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Every person who wilfully:

1. Seizes, confines, inveigles or kidnaps another, with intent to cause him, without authority of law, to be secretly confined or imprisoned within this state, or to be sent out of this state, or in any way held to service or kept or detained against his will; or,

2. Leads, takes, entices away or detains a child under the age of sixteen (16) years, with intent to keep or conceal it from its custodial parent, guardian or other person having lawful care or control thereof, or with intent to steal any article upon the person of the child; or,

3. Abducts, entices or by force or fraud unlawfully takes or carries away another at or from a place without the state, or procures, advises, aids or abets such an abduction, enticing, taking or carrying away, and afterwards sends, brings, has or keeps such person, or causes him to be kept or secreted within this state; or,

4. Seizes, confines, inveigles, leads, takes, entices away or kidnaps another against his will to extort money, property or any other thing of value or obtain money, property or reward or any other thing of value for the return or disposition of such person is guilty of kidnaping.

18-4506. Child custody interference defined--Defenses--Punishment

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

1. A person commits child custody interference if the person, whether a parent or other, or agent of that person, intentionally and without lawful authority:

(a) Takes, entices away, keeps or withholds any minor child from a parent or another person or institution having custody, joint custody, visitation or other parental rights, whether such rights arise from temporary or permanent custody order, or from the equal custodial rights of each parent in the absence of a custody order; or

(b) Takes, entices away, keeps or withholds a minor child from a parent after commencement of an action relating to child visitation or custody but prior to the issuance of an order determining custody or visitation rights.

2. It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of the provisions of subsection 1. of this section that:

(a) The action is taken to protect the child from imminent physical harm;

(b) The action is taken by a parent fleeing from imminent physical harm to himself;

(c) The action is consented to by the lawful custodian of the child; or

(d) The child is returned within twenty-four (24) hours after expiration of an authorized visitation privilege.

3. A violation of the provisions of subsection 1. of this section shall be a felony, unless the defendant did not take the child outside the state, and the child was voluntarily returned unharmed prior to the defendant’s arrest in which case the violation shall be reduced to a misdemeanor.

4. Any reasonable expenses incurred by a lawful custodian in locating or attempting to locate a child taken in violation of the provisions of subsection 1. of this section may be assessed against the defendant at the court’s discretion in accordance with chapter 53, title 19, Idaho Code.

Chapter 61. Rape

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-6101. Rape defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Rape is defined as the penetration, however slight, of the oral, anal or vaginal opening with a penis accomplished under any one (1) of the following circumstances:

(1) Where the victim is under the age of sixteen (16) years, the perpetrator is eighteen (18) years of age or older, and the victim is not lawfully married to the perpetrator.

(2) Where the victim is sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, the perpetrator is three (3) years or more older than the victim, and the victim is not lawfully married to the perpetrator.

(3) Where the victim is incapable, through any unsoundness of mind, due to any cause including, but not limited to, mental illness, mental disability or developmental disability, whether temporary or permanent, of giving legal consent.

(4) Where the victim resists but the resistance is overcome by force or violence.

(5) Where the victim is prevented from resistance by the infliction, attempted infliction, or threatened infliction of bodily harm, accompanied by apparent power of execution; or is unable to resist due to any intoxicating, narcotic, or anaesthetic substance.

(6) Where the victim is prevented from resistance due to an objectively reasonable belief that resistance would be futile or that resistance would result in force or violence beyond that necessary to accomplish the prohibited contact.

(7) Where the victim is at the time unconscious of the nature of the act. As used in this section, “unconscious of the nature of the act” means incapable of resisting because the victim meets one (1) of the following conditions:

(a) Was unconscious or asleep;

(b) Was not aware, knowing, perceiving, or cognizant that the act occurred.

(8) Where the victim submits under the belief that the person committing the act is the victim’s spouse, and the belief is induced by artifice, pretense or concealment practiced by the accused, with intent to induce such belief.

(9) Where the victim submits under the belief that the person committing the act is someone other than the accused, and the belief is induced by artifice, pretense or concealment practiced by the accused, with the intent to induce such belief.

(10) Where the victim submits under the belief, instilled by the actor, that if the victim does not submit, the actor will cause physical harm to some person in the future; or cause damage to property; or engage in other conduct constituting a crime; or accuse any person of a crime or cause criminal charges to be instituted against the victim; or expose a secret or publicize an asserted fact, whether true or false, tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule.

The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall not affect the age requirements in any other provision of law, unless otherwise provided in any such law. Further, for the purposes of subsection (2) of this section, in determining whether the perpetrator is three (3) years or more older than the victim, the difference in age shall be measured from the date of birth of the perpetrator to the date of birth of the victim.

Males and females are both capable of committing the crime of rape as defined in this section.

Chapter 66. Sex Crimes

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-6605. Video voyeurism

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Broadcast” means the electronic transmittal of a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.

(b) “Disseminate” means to make available by any means to any person.

(c) “Imaging device” means any instrument capable of recording, storing, viewing or transmitting visual images.

(d) “Intimate areas” means the nude genitals, nude pubic area, nude buttocks or nude female nipple.

(e) “Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, firm, association, joint venture or any other recognized legal entity or any agent or servant thereof.

(f) “Place where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy” means:

(i) A place where a reasonable person would believe that he could undress, be undressed or engage in sexual activity in privacy, without concern that he is being viewed, photographed, filmed or otherwise recorded by an imaging device; or

(ii) A place where a person might reasonably expect to be safe from casual or hostile surveillance by an imaging device; or

(iii) Any public place where a person, by taking reasonable steps to conceal intimate areas, should be free from the viewing, recording, storing or transmitting of images obtained by imaging devices designed to overcome the barriers created by a person’s covering of intimate areas.

(g) “Publish” means to:

(i) Disseminate with the intent that such image or images be made available by any means to any person; or

(ii) Disseminate with the intent that such images be sold by another person; or

(iii) Post, present, display, exhibit, circulate, advertise or allow access by any means so as to make an image or images available to the public; or

(iv) Disseminate with the intent that an image or images be posted, presented, displayed, exhibited, circulated, advertised or made accessible by any means and to make such image or images available to the public.

(h) “Sell” means to disseminate to another person, or to publish, in exchange for something of value.

(i) “Sexual act” includes, but is not limited to, masturbation; genital, anal or oral sex; sexual penetration with an object; or the transfer or transmission of semen upon any part of the depicted person’s body.

(2) A person is guilty of video voyeurism when, with the intent of arousing, appealing to or gratifying the lust or passions or sexual desires of such person or another person, or for his own or another person’s lascivious entertainment or satisfaction of prurient interest, or for the purpose of sexually degrading or abusing any other person, he uses, installs or permits the use or installation of an imaging device at a place where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the knowledge or consent of the person using such place.

(3) A person is guilty of video voyeurism when:

(a) With the intent to annoy, terrify, threaten, intimidate, harass, offend, humiliate or degrade, he intentionally disseminates, publishes or sells or conspires to disseminate, publish or sell any image of another person who is identifiable from the image itself or information displayed in connection with the image and whose intimate areas are exposed, in whole or in part, or who is engaged in a sexual act;

(b) He knew or reasonably should have known that the person depicted in the image understood that the image should remain private; and

(c) He knew or reasonably should have known that the person depicted in the image did not consent to the dissemination, publication or sale of the image.

(4) A violation of this section is a felony.

(5) This section does not apply to:

(a) An interactive computer service, as defined in 47 U.S.C. 230(f)(2), an information service, as defined in 47 U.S.C. 153 or a telecommunication service, as defined in section 61-121(2) or 62-603(13), Idaho Code, for content provided by another person, unless the provider intentionally aids or abets video voyeurism;

(b) Images involving voluntary exposure in public or commercial settings; or

(c) Disclosures made in the public interest including, but not limited to, the reporting of unlawful conduct or the lawful and common practices of law enforcement, criminal reporting, legal proceedings or medical treatment.

Chapter 67. Communications security.

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-6702. Interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communications prohibited

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, any person shall be guilty of a felony and is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed five (5) years or by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both fine and imprisonment if that person:

(a) Willfully intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept any wire, electronic or oral communication; or

(b) Willfully uses, endeavors to use, or procures any other person to use or endeavor to use any electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept any oral communication when:

1. Such device is affixed to, or otherwise transmits a signal through, a wire, cable, or other like connection used in wire communication; or

2. Such device transmits communications by radio or interferes with the transmission of such communication; or

(c) Willfully discloses, or endeavors to disclose, to any other person the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication in violation of this subsection; or

(d) Willfully uses, or endeavors to use, the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication in violation of this subsection; or

(e) Intentionally discloses or endeavors to disclose to any other person the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, intercepted by means authorized by subsection (2)(b), (c), (f) or (g) of this section or by section 18-6708, Idaho Code, if that person:

(i) Knows or has reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of such communication in connection with a criminal investigation; and

(ii) Has obtained or received the information in connection with a criminal investigation with the intent to improperly obstruct, impede or interfere with a duly authorized criminal investigation.

(2)(a) It is lawful under this chapter for an operator of a switchboard, or an officer, employee, or agent of a provider of wire or electronic communication service whose facilities are used in the transmission of a wire or electronic communication to intercept, disclose, or use that communication in the normal course of his employment while engaged in any activity which is a necessary incident to the rendition of his service or to the protection of the rights or property of the provider of that service, except that a provider of wire communication service to the public shall not utilize service observing or random monitoring except for mechanical or service quality control checks.

(b) It is lawful under this chapter for an officer, employee, or agent of the federal communications commission, in the normal course of his employment and in discharge of the monitoring responsibilities exercised by the commission in the enforcement of 47 U.S.C. ch. 5, to intercept a wire, electronic or oral communication transmitted by radio or to disclose or use the information thereby obtained.

(c) It is lawful under this chapter for a law enforcement officer or a person acting under the direction of a law enforcement officer to intercept a wire, electronic or oral communication when such person is a party to the communication or one (1) of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to such interception.

(d) It is lawful under this chapter for a person to intercept a wire, electronic or oral communication when one (1) of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to such interception.

(e) It is unlawful to intercept any communication for the purpose of committing any criminal act.

(f) It is lawful under this chapter for an employee of a telephone company to intercept a wire communication for the sole purpose of tracing the origin of such communication when the interception is requested by an appropriate law enforcement agency or the recipient of the communication and the recipient alleges that the communication is obscene, harassing, or threatening in nature.

(g) It is lawful under this chapter for an employee of a law enforcement agency, fire department or ambulance service, while acting in the scope of his employment, and while a party to the communication, to intercept and record incoming wire or electronic communications.

(h) It shall not be unlawful under this chapter for any person:

(i) To intercept or access an electronic communication made through an electronic communication system that is configured so that such electronic communication is readily accessible to the general public;

(ii) To intercept any radio communication that is transmitted:

(A) By any station for the use of the general public, or that relates to ships, aircraft, vehicles or persons in distress;

(B) By any governmental, law enforcement, civil defense, private land mobile or public safety communications system, including police and fire, readily accessible to the public;

(C) By a station operating on an authorized frequency within the bands allocated to the amateur, citizens band or general mobile radio services; or

(D) By any marine or aeronautical communication system;

(iii) To engage in any conduct that:

(A) Is prohibited by 47 U.S.C. section 553 (federal communications act of 1934); or

(B) Is excepted from the application of 47 U.S.C. section 605 (federal communications act of 1934);

(iv) To intercept any wire or electronic communication, the transmission of which is causing harmful interference to any lawfully operating station or consumer electronic equipment to the extent it is necessary to identify the source of such interference; or

(v) For other users of the same frequency to intercept any radio communication, if such communication is not scrambled or encrypted, made through a system that utilizes frequencies monitored by individuals engaged in the provision or the use of such system.

(i) It shall be lawful under this chapter for a provider of electronic communication service to record the fact that a wire or electronic communication was initiated or completed in order to protect such provider, another provider furnishing service toward the completion of the wire or electronic communication or a user of that service from the fraudulent, unlawful or abusive use of such service.

(3)(a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b) of this section, a person or entity providing an electronic communication service to the public shall not intentionally divulge the contents of any communication other than to such person or entity or an agent thereof while in transmission on that service, to any person or entity other than an addressee or intended recipient of such communication or an agent of such addressee or intended recipient.

(b) A person or entity providing electronic communication service to the public may divulge the contents of any such communication:

(i) As otherwise authorized in section 18-6707, Idaho Code, or subsection (2)(a) of this section;

(ii) With the lawful consent of the originator or any addressee or intended recipient of such communication;

(iii) To a person employed or authorized, or whose facilities are used, to forward such communication to its destination; or

(iv) If such contents were inadvertently obtained by the service provider and appear to pertain to the commission of a crime, if such divulgence is made to a law enforcement agency.

18-6710. Use of telephone to annoy, terrify, threaten, intimidate, harass or offend by lewd or profane language, requests, suggestions or proposals--Threats of physical harm--Disturbing the peace by repeated calls--Penalties

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Every person who, with intent to annoy, terrify, threaten, intimidate, harass or offend, telephones another and (a) addresses to or about such person any obscene, lewd or profane language, or makes any request, suggestion or proposal which is obscene, lewd, lascivious or indecent; or (b) addresses to such other person any threat to inflict injury or physical harm to the person or property of the person addressed or any member of his family, or any other person; or (c) by repeated anonymous or identified telephone calls whether or not conversation ensues, disturbs the peace or attempts to disturb the peace, quiet, or right of privacy of any person at the place where the telephone call or calls are received, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to a term of not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, the defendant shall be guilty of a felony and shall be sentenced to a term of not to exceed five (5) years in the state penitentiary.

(2) The use of obscene, lewd or profane language or the making of a threat or obscene proposal, or the making of repeated anonymous telephone calls as set forth in this section may be prima facie evidence of intent to annoy, terrify, threaten, intimidate, harass or offend.

(3) For the purposes of this section, the term “telephone” shall mean any device which provides transmission of messages, signals, facsimiles, video images or other communication between persons who are physically separated from each other by means of telephone, telegraph, cable, wire or the projection of energy without physical connection.

Chapter 70. Trespass and Malicious Injuries to Property

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-7006. Trespass of privacy

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

It shall be unlawful for any person, upon the private property of another, to intentionally look, peer or peek in the door, window, or other transparent opening of any inhabited building or other structure located thereon, without visible or lawful purpose. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Chapter 79. Malicious Harassment

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

18-7902. Malicious harassment defined--Prohibited

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

It shall be unlawful for any person, maliciously and with the specific intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin, to:

(a) Cause physical injury to another person; or

(b) Damage, destroy, or deface any real or personal property of another person; or

(c) Threaten, by word or act, to do the acts prohibited if there is reasonable cause to believe that any of the acts described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section will occur.

For purposes of this section, “deface” shall include, but not be limited to, cross-burnings or the placing of any word or symbol commonly associated with racial, religious or ethnic terrorism on the property of another person without his or her permission.

18-7905. Stalking in the first degree

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) A person commits the crime of stalking in the first degree if the person violates section 18-7906, Idaho Code, and:

(a) The actions constituting the offense are in violation of a temporary restraining order, protection order, no contact order or injunction, or any combination thereof; or

(b) The actions constituting the offense are in violation of a condition of probation or parole; or

(c) The victim is under the age of sixteen (16) years; or

(d) At any time during the course of conduct constituting the offense, the defendant possessed a deadly weapon or instrument; or

(e) The defendant has been previously convicted of a crime under this section or section 18-7906, Idaho Code, or a substantially conforming foreign criminal violation within seven (7) years, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment; or

(f) The defendant has been previously convicted of a crime, or an attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit a crime, involving the same victim as the present offense under any of the following provisions of Idaho Code or a substantially conforming foreign criminal violation within seven (7) years, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment:

(i) Chapter 9, title 18;

(ii) Chapter 15, title 18;

(iii) Chapter 61, title 18;

(iv) Section 18-4014 (administering poison with intent to kill);

(v) Section 18-4015 (assault with intent to murder);

(vi) Section 18-4501 (kidnapping);

(vii) Section 18-5501 (poisoning);

(viii) Section 18-6604 (forcible sexual penetration by use of foreign object);

(ix) Section 18-7902 (malicious harassment); or

(x) Section 18-8103 (act of terrorism).

(2) In this section, “course of conduct” and “victim” have the meanings given in section 18-7906(2), Idaho Code.

(3) For the purpose of this section, a “substantially conforming foreign criminal violation” exists when a person has pled guilty to or has been found guilty of a violation of any federal law or law of another state, or any valid county, city, or town ordinance of another state substantially conforming to the provisions of this section or section 18-7906, Idaho Code. The determination of whether a foreign criminal violation is substantially conforming is a question of law to be determined by the court.

(4) Stalking in the first degree is a felony punishable by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or imprisonment in the state prison for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

18-7906. Stalking in the second degree

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) A person commits the crime of stalking in the second degree if the person knowingly and maliciously:

(a) Engages in a course of conduct that seriously alarms, annoys or harasses the victim and is such as would cause a reasonable person substantial emotional distress; or

(b) Engages in a course of conduct such as would cause a reasonable person to be in fear of death or physical injury, or in fear of the death or physical injury of a family or household member.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “Course of conduct” means repeated acts of nonconsensual contact involving the victim or a family or household member of the victim, provided however, that constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of this definition.

(b) “Family or household member” means:

(i) A spouse or former spouse of the victim, a person who has a child in common with the victim regardless of whether they have been married, a person with whom the victim is cohabiting whether or not they have married or have held themselves out to be husband or wife, and persons related to the victim by blood, adoption or marriage; or

(ii) A person with whom the victim is or has been in a dating relationship, as defined in section 39-6303, Idaho Code; or

(iii) A person living in the same residence as the victim.

(c) “Nonconsensual contact” means any contact with the victim that is initiated or continued without the victim’s consent, that is beyond the scope of the consent provided by the victim, or that is in disregard of the victim’s expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued. “Nonconsensual contact” includes, but is not limited to:

(i) Following the victim or maintaining surveillance, including by electronic means, on the victim;

(ii) Contacting the victim in a public place or on private property;

(iii) Appearing at the workplace or residence of the victim;

(iv) Entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased or occupied by the victim;

(v) Contacting the victim by telephone or causing the victim’s telephone to ring repeatedly or continuously regardless of whether a conversation ensues;

(vi) Sending mail or electronic communications to the victim; or

(vii) Placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased or occupied by the victim.

(d) “Victim” means a person who is the target of a course of conduct.

(3) Stalking in the second degree is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

18-7907. Action for protection

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) There shall exist an action known as a “petition for a protection order” in cases where a person intentionally engages in the following conduct:

(a) Stalks, in any degree, as described in sections 18-7905 and 18-7906, Idaho Code;

(b) Telephones another with the intent to terrify, threaten, or intimidate such other person and addresses to such other person any threat to inflict injury or physical harm to the person addressed or any member of his family and engages in such conduct with any device that provides transmission of messages, signals, facsimiles, video images, or other communication by means of telephone, telegraph, cable, wire, or the projection of energy without physical connection between persons who are physically separated from each other; or

(c) Based upon another person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin, intimidates or harasses another person or causes, or threatens to cause, physical injury to another person or damage to any real or personal property of another person.

(2) A person may seek relief from such conduct for himself, his children or his ward by filing a verified petition for a protection order with the magistrate division of the district court, alleging specific facts that a person for whom protection is sought was the victim of such conduct within the ninety (90) days immediately preceding the filing of the petition and that such conduct is likely to occur in the future. Evidence of such conduct occurring prior to such ninety (90) day period may be admissible to show that conduct committed within the ninety (90) day period is part of a course or pattern of conduct as described in subsection (1) of this section and may be admissible as otherwise permitted in accordance with court rule and decisional law.

(3) Upon the filing of a verified petition for a protection order, the court shall hold a hearing within fourteen (14) days to determine whether the relief sought shall be granted unless the court determines that the petition fails to state sufficient facts to warrant relief authorized by this section. If either party is represented by counsel at such hearing, the court shall grant a request for a continuance of the proceedings so that counsel may be obtained by the other party. Such order may require either the petitioner or respondent, or both, to pay for costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees.

(4) Upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence that a person for whom protection is sought in the petition was the victim of conduct committed by the respondent that constitutes conduct as described in subsection (1) of this section, within ninety (90) days immediately preceding the filing of the petition, and that such conduct is likely to occur in the future to such person, the court may issue a protection order. Such protection order may:

(a) Direct the respondent to refrain from conduct described in subsection (1) of this section;

(b) Order the respondent to refrain from contacting the petitioner or any other person for whom the petition sought protection; and

(c) Grant such other relief and impose such other restrictions as the court deems proper, that may include a requirement that the respondent not knowingly remain within a certain distance of the protected person, which distance restriction may not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet.

(5) The petition and the court’s protection order shall be served on the respondent in the manner provided in section 39-6310, Idaho Code.

(6)(a) Notice of a protection order shall be forwarded by the clerk of the court, on or before the next judicial day, to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

(b) Upon receipt of such notice, the law enforcement agency shall forthwith enter the order into the Idaho public safety and security information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. Entry into the Idaho public safety and security information system constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of the order. The order is fully enforceable in any county in the state.

(c) Law enforcement agencies shall establish procedures reasonably adequate to assure that an officer approaching or actually at the scene of an incident may be informed of the existence of such protection order.

(7) Any relief granted by a protection order, other than a judgment for costs, shall be for a fixed period not to exceed one (1) year; provided that a protection order obtained pursuant to this section may, upon motion and upon good cause shown, be renewed, modified, or terminated by further order of the court with notice to all parties and after a hearing or written stipulation filed with the court.

(8) Whenever a protection order, or an ex parte temporary protection order issued pursuant to this chapter, is granted and the respondent or person to be restrained was served a copy of the order in the manner provided in section 39-6310, Idaho Code, a violation of the provisions of the order shall be a misdemeanor punishable by not to exceed one (1) year in jail and a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). A peace officer may arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person who the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated such order.

(9) A petition shall be filed in the county of the respondent’s residence, the petitioner’s residence or where the petitioner is temporarily residing.

(10) A person may file a single verified petition seeking relief pursuant to this chapter and section 39-6304, Idaho Code. Such petition shall separately set forth the matters pertaining to each such provision of law. All procedural and substantive requirements governing petitions for domestic violence protection orders under chapter 63, title 39, Idaho Code, shall apply with respect to the issuance of such domestic violence protection orders.

(11) As used in this section,“contact” means any actual physical contact; contact or attempted contact, directly or indirectly, by telephone, pager, e-mail, facsimile or other oral, written or electronic means of communication.

18-7908. Ex parte temporary protection order

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Where a verified petition for a protection order under this chapter seeks an ex parte temporary protection order, such an ex parte temporary protection order may be granted to the petitioner if the court finds that present harm could result if an order is not immediately issued without prior notice to the respondent and that the respondent has intentionally engaged in the conduct described in section 18-7907(1), Idaho Code.

(2) The court may grant an ex parte temporary protection order based upon the verified petition submitted and set the matter for a full hearing under section 18-7907, Idaho Code. If the court does not grant an ex parte temporary protection order based upon the petition, the court may hold an ex parte hearing on the day a petition is filed or on the following judicial day to determine whether the court should grant an ex parte temporary protection order and set the matter for a full hearing under section 18-7907, Idaho Code, dismiss the verified petition, or deny the ex parte temporary protection order and set the matter for a full hearing under section 18-7907, Idaho Code. An ex parte temporary protection order may grant the same relief as specified in section 18-7907(4), Idaho Code.

(3) An ex parte hearing to consider the issuance of an ex parte temporary protection order may be conducted by telephone or other electronic means in accordance with any procedures authorized by the Idaho supreme court.

(4) An ex parte temporary protection order shall be effective for a fixed period not to exceed fourteen (14) days but may be reissued for good cause shown. A full hearing, as provided in this chapter, shall be set for not later than fourteen (14) days from the issuance of the ex parte temporary protection order. Motions seeking an order shortening the time period must be served upon the petitioner at least two (2) days prior to the hearing on the motion.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of section 18-7907, Idaho Code, are applicable to a petition for protective order seeking an ex parte temporary protection order and to any ex parte temporary restraining order issued pursuant to this section.

18-7909. Fees waived

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

No filing fee, service fee, hearing fee or bond shall be charged for proceedings seeking only the relief provided under sections 18-7907 and 18-7908, Idaho Code.

Title 19. Criminal Procedure

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Chapter 38. Disposal of Property Illegally Held by Defendant

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

19-3807. Confiscation of firearms, explosives or contraband upon conviction

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) At the time any person is convicted of a felony in any court of the state of Idaho, firearms, ammunition, bombs, nitroglycerin, or explosives of any nature, including illegal fireworks, or any other deadly weapons or contraband of any kind found in his possession or under his control at the time of his arrest may be confiscated and disposed of in accordance with the order of the court before which such person was tried. “Contraband” as used in this section shall mean any personal property, possession of which is illegal under the laws of the state of Idaho or the United States.

(2) Notice of confiscation proceedings shall be given to each owner or person who is believed to have an interest in the property in question by serving a copy of the state’s motion describing the property with a notice of hearing on the motion as follows:

(a) Upon each owner or interested party whose name and address is known, by mailing a copy of the state’s motion to confiscate and notice of hearing by certified mail to the owner or party’s last known address, or to his attorney;

(b) Upon all other owners or interested parties whose addresses are unknown, but who are believed to have an interest in the property, by publishing one (1) notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the property was seized.

(3) Within twenty (20) days after the mailing or publication of the notice, the owner of the property in question and any other interested party may file with the court a claim to the property described in the motion to confiscate.

(4) If one (1) or more claims are filed, the confiscation proceeding shall be set for hearing at least thirty (30) days after the last timely claim is filed.

(5) At the confiscation hearing any person who has filed a timely claim may show by competent evidence that the property in question was not in the possession or control of the defendant at the time of his arrest or that the owner is innocent of any involvement in the acts which led to the defendant’s arrest, in which case the court may return the property to the owner or interested person or order any other disposition which is appropriate under the circumstances.

(6) If no claim has been filed within twenty (20) days after the state’s motion to confiscate and notice of hearing has been mailed or published, the court shall hear evidence concerning the defendant’s possession and control of the property in question at the time of arrest. If it finds that the property was in the defendant’s possession and control at the time of arrest or, if pursuant to subsection (5) of this section, the court rejects any claim which has been filed, the court may direct the delivery to the law enforcement agency which apprehended the defendant, for its use or for any other disposition in its discretion or, in the case of a firearm or ammunition, the court shall direct the delivery to the law enforcement agency which apprehended the defendant for disposition in accordance with section 55-403(4), Idaho Code.

Chapter 57. Address Confidentiality for Victims of Violence

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

19-5703. Address confidentiality program--Application--Certification

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) An adult person, a parent or a guardian acting on behalf of a minor, or a guardian appointed pursuant to section 15-5-304, Idaho Code, acting on behalf of an incapacitated person, may apply to the secretary of state to have an address designated by the secretary of state serve as the person’s address or the address of the minor or incapacitated person. The secretary of state shall approve an application if it is filed in the manner and on the form prescribed by the secretary of state and if it contains:

(a) A sworn statement by the applicant that the applicant has good reason to believe:

(i) That the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a victim of domestic violence, stalking, rape or malicious harassment, or any other crime listed in section 19-5701, Idaho Code; and

(ii) That the applicant fears for his or her safety or his or her children’s safety, or the safety of the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made;

(b) A designation of the secretary of state as agent for purposes of service of process and for the purpose of receipt of mail;

(c) The mailing address where the applicant can be contacted by the secretary of state, and the telephone number or numbers where the applicant can be called by the secretary of state; and

(d) The address or addresses that the applicant requests not be disclosed.

(2) If the applicant alleges that the basis for the application is that the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking, the application must be accompanied by evidence including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(a) Police, court, or other government agency records or files;

(b) Documentation from a domestic violence or sexual assault program or facility if the person is alleged to be a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking;

(c) Documentation from a legal, clerical, medical or other professional from whom the applicant or person on whose behalf the application is made has sought assistance in dealing with the alleged domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking; and

(d) A certified copy of a no contact order or a temporary or permanent civil protection order.

(3) If the applicant alleges that the basis for the application is that the applicant, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, is a victim of stalking or malicious harassment, the application must be accompanied by evidence including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(a) Police, court or other government agency records or files;

(b) Documentation from a legal, clerical, medical or other professional from whom the applicant or person on whose behalf the application is made has sought assistance in dealing with the alleged stalking or malicious harassment; and

(c) A certified copy of a no contact order or a temporary or permanent civil protection order.

(4) Applications shall be filed with the office of the secretary of state.

(5) Upon filing a properly completed application, the secretary of state shall certify the applicant as a program participant. Applicants shall be certified for four (4) years following the date of filing unless the certification is withdrawn or invalidated before that date. The application may be renewed at the end of four (4) years.

(6) A person who falsely attests in an application that disclosure of the applicant’s address would endanger the applicant’s safety or the safety of the applicant’s children, or the minor or incapacitated person on whose behalf the application is made, or who knowingly provides false or incorrect information upon making an application, shall be punishable under section 18-5414, Idaho Code, or other applicable statutes.

Title 32. Domestic Relations

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Chapter 1. Persons

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

32-101. Minors defined

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Minors are:

1. Males under eighteen (18) years of age.

2. Females under eighteen (18) years of age.

3. Provided, that any male or any female who has been married shall be competent to enter a contract, mortgage, deed of trust, bill of sale and conveyance, and sue or be sued thereon.

Chapter 6. Divorce--Grounds and Defenses

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

32-603. Causes for divorce

Updated: 
November 7, 2023
Divorces may be granted for any of the following causes:
1. Adultery.
2. Extreme cruelty.
3. Wilful desertion.
4. Wilful neglect.
5. Habitual intemperance.
6. Conviction of felony.
7. When either the husband or wife has become permanently insane, as provided in sections 32-801 to 32-805, inclusive.
8. Irreconcilable differences.

32-604. Adultery

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Adultery is the voluntary sexual intercourse of a married person with a person other than the offender’s husband or wife.

32-605. Extreme cruelty

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Extreme cruelty is the infliction of grievous bodily injury or grievous mental suffering upon the other by one party to the marriage.

32-606. Wilful desertion

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Wilful desertion is the voluntary separation of one of the married parties from the other with intent to desert.

32-607. Wilful neglect

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Wilful neglect is the neglect of the husband to provide for his wife the common necessaries of life, he having the ability to do so, or it is the failure to do so by reason of idleness, profligacy or dissipation.

32-608. Habitual intemperance

Updated: 
November 7, 2023
Habitual intemperance is that degree of intemperance from the use of intoxicating drinks which disqualifies the person a great portion of the time from properly attending to business, or which would reasonably inflict a course of great mental anguish upon the innocent party.

32-610. Separation without cohabitation

Updated: 
November 7, 2023
When married persons have heretofore lived or shall hereafter live separate and apart for a period of five (5) years or more without cohabitation, either party to the marriage contract may sue for a divorce which shall be granted on proof of the continuous living separate and apart without cohabitation of the spouses during said period of five (5) years or more.

32-616. Irreconcilable differences

Updated: 
November 7, 2023
Irreconcilable differences are those grounds which are determined by the court to be substantial reasons for not continuing the marriage and which make it appear that the marriage should be dissolved.

Chapter 7. Divorce Actions

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

32-701. Residence required by plaintiff

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

A divorce must not be granted unless the plaintiff has been a resident of the state for six (6) full weeks next preceding the commencement of the action.

32-705. Maintenance

Updated: 
November 7, 2023
1. Where a divorce is decreed, the court may grant a maintenance order if it finds that the spouse seeking maintenance:
(a) Lacks sufficient property to provide for his or her reasonable needs; and
(b) Is unable to support himself or herself through employment.
2. The maintenance order shall be in such amounts and for such periods of time that the court deems just, after considering all relevant factors which may include:
(a) The financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance, including the marital property apportioned to said spouse, and said spouse’s ability to meet his or her needs independently;
(b) The time necessary to acquire sufficient education and training to enable the spouse seeking maintenance to find employment;
(c) The duration of the marriage;
(d) The age and the physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance;
(e) The ability of the spouse from whom maintenance is sought to meet his or her needs while meeting those of the spouse seeking maintenance;
(f) The tax consequences to each spouse;
(g) The fault of either party.

32-706. Child support

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) In a proceeding for divorce or child support, the court may order either or both parents owing a duty of support to a child to pay an amount reasonable or necessary for his or her support and education until the child is eighteen (18) years of age, without regard to marital misconduct, after considering all relevant factors which may include:

(a) The financial resources of the child;

(b) The financial resources, needs, and obligations of both the custodial and noncustodial parents which ordinarily shall not include a parent’s community property interest in the financial resources or obligations of a spouse who is not a parent of the child, unless compelling reasons exist;

(c) The standard of living the child enjoyed during the marriage;

(d) The physical and emotional condition and needs of the child and his or her educational needs;

(e) The availability of medical coverage for the child at reasonable cost as defined in section 32-1214B, Idaho Code; and

(f) The actual tax benefit recognized by the party claiming the federal child dependency exemption.

(2) If the child continues his high school education subsequent to reaching the age of eighteen (18) years, the court may, in its discretion, and after considering all relevant factors which include those set forth in subsection (1) of this section, order the continuation of support payments until the child discontinues his high school education or reaches the age of nineteen (19) years, whichever is sooner.

(3) All child support orders shall notify the obligor that the order will be enforced by income withholding pursuant to chapter 12, title 32, Idaho Code. Failure to include this provision does not affect the validity of the support order. The court shall require that the social security numbers of both the obligor and obligee be included in the order or decree.

(4) In a proceeding for the support of a child or a minor parent, the court may order the parent(s) of each minor parent to pay an amount reasonable or necessary for the support and education of the child born to the minor parent(s) until the minor parent is eighteen (18) years of age, after considering all relevant factors which may include:

(a) The financial resources of the child;

(b) The financial resources of the minor parent;

(c) The financial resources, needs and obligations of the parent of the minor parent;

(d) The physical and emotional condition and needs of the child and his or her educational needs; and

(e) The availability of medical coverage for the child at reasonable cost as defined in section 32-1214B, Idaho Code.

(5) The legislature hereby authorizes and encourages the supreme court of the state of Idaho to adopt and to periodically review for modification guidelines that utilize and implement the factors set forth in subsections (1) through (4) of this section to create a uniform procedure for reaching fair and adequate child support awards. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the amount of the award which would result from the application of the guidelines is the amount of child support to be awarded, unless evidence is presented in a particular case that indicates that an application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. If the court determines that circumstances exist to permit a departure from the guidelines, the judge making the determination shall make a written or specific finding on the record that the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in the particular case before the court. When adopting guidelines, the supreme court shall provide that in a proceeding to modify an existing award, children of the party requesting the modification who are born or adopted after the entry of the existing order shall not be considered.

(6) If the court awards one (1) parent the right to claim tax benefits associated with his child or children, the court order need not list every applicable tax benefit. The parent who was awarded the tax benefits for the child or children shall attach a copy of the court order to his income tax return. The state tax commission shall recognize the award of tax benefits with respect to the child or children as applying to the child tax credit under section 63-3029L, Idaho Code, the food tax credit under section 63-3024A, Idaho Code, and any and all other state and federal tax deductions, exemptions, and credits for which the parent qualifies, unless the court order specifies otherwise.

32-717. Custody of children--Best interest

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) In an action for divorce the court may, before and after judgment, give such direction for the custody, care and education of the children of the marriage as may seem necessary or proper in the best interests of the children. The court shall consider all relevant factors which may include:

(a) The wishes of the child’s parent or parents as to his or her custody;

(b) The wishes of the child as to his or her custodian;

(c) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parent or parents, and his or her siblings;

(d) The child’s adjustment to his or her home, school, and community;

(e) The character and circumstances of all individuals involved;

(f) The need to promote continuity and stability in the life of the child; and

(g) Domestic violence as defined in section 39-6303, Idaho Code, whether or not in the presence of the child.

(2) If the parent has a disability as defined in this section, the parent shall have the right to provide evidence and information regarding the manner in which the use of adaptive equipment or supportive services will enable the parent to carry out the responsibilities of parenting the child. The court shall advise the parent of such right. Evaluations of parental fitness shall take into account the use of adaptive equipment and supportive services for parents with disabilities and shall be conducted by, or with the assistance of, a person who has expertise concerning such equipment and services. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any new or additional obligations on state or local governments to purchase or provide adaptive equipment or supportive services for parents with disabilities.

(3) In any case where the child is actually residing with a grandparent in a stable relationship, the court may recognize the grandparent as having the same standing as a parent for evaluating what custody arrangements are in the best interests of the child.

(4) As used in this chapter:

(a) “Adaptive equipment” means any piece of equipment or any item that is used to increase, maintain or improve the parenting capabilities of a parent with a disability.

(b) “Disability” means, with respect to an individual, any mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one (1) or more major life activities of the individual including, but not limited to, self-care, manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning or working, or a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Disability shall not include transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, other sexual behavior disorders, substance use disorders, compulsive gambling, kleptomania or pyromania. Sexual preference or orientation is not considered an impairment or disability. Whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be determined without consideration of the effect of corrective or mitigating measures used to reduce the effects of the impairment.

(c) “Supportive services” means services which assist a parent with a disability to compensate for those aspects of their disability which affect their ability to care for their child and which will enable them to discharge their parental responsibilities. The term includes specialized or adapted training, evaluations, or assistance with effective use of adaptive equipment, and accommodations which allow a parent with a disability to benefit from other services, such as braille texts or sign language interpreters.

(5) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow discrimination on the basis of disability. In any case where the disability of a parent is found by the court to be relevant to an award of custody of a child, the court shall make specific findings concerning the disability and what effect, if any, the court finds the disability has on the best interests of the child.(6) With reference to this section, when an active member of the Idaho national guard has been ordered or called to duty as defined in section 46-409, Idaho Code, or when a member of the military reserve is ordered to active federal service under title 10, United States Code, such military service thereunder shall not be a substantial or material and permanent change in circumstance to modify by reducing the member’s previously decreed child custody and visitation privileges.

32-717A. Parents' access to records and information

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, access to records and information pertaining to a minor child including, but not limited to, medical, dental, health, and school or educational records, shall not be denied to a parent because the parent is not the child’s custodial parent. However, information concerning the minor child’s address shall be deleted from such records to a parent, if the custodial parent has advised the records custodian in writing to do so.

32-717B. Joint custody

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) “Joint custody” means an order awarding custody of the minor child or children to both parents and providing that physical custody shall be shared by the parents in such a way as to assure the child or children of frequent and continuing contact with both parents. The court may award either joint physical custody or joint legal custody or both as between the parents or parties as the court determines is for the best interests of the minor child or children. If the court declines to enter an order awarding joint custody, the court shall state in its decision the reasons for denial of an award of joint custody.

(2) “Joint physical custody” means an order awarding each of the parents significant periods of time in which a child resides with or is under the care and supervision of each of the parents or parties.

Joint physical custody shall be shared by the parents in such a way to assure the child a frequent and continuing contact with both parents but does not necessarily mean the child’s time with each parent should be exactly the same in length nor does it necessarily mean the child should be alternating back and forth over certain periods of time between each parent.

The actual amount of time with each parent shall be determined by the court.

(3) “Joint legal custody” means a judicial determination that the parents or parties are required to share the decision-making rights, responsibilities and authority relating to the health, education and general welfare of a child or children.

(4) Except as provided in subsection (5), of this section, absent a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary, there shall be a presumption that joint custody is in the best interests of a minor child or children.

(5) There shall be a presumption that joint custody is not in the best interests of a minor child if one (1) of the parents is found by the court to be a habitual perpetrator of domestic violence as defined in section 39-6303, Idaho Code.

32-717C. Allegations of abuse--Investigation

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

When, in any divorce proceeding or upon request for modification of a divorce decree, an allegation of child abuse or child sexual abuse is made, implicating either party, the court shall order that an investigation be conducted by the department of health and welfare. A final award of custody or visitation may not be rendered until a report on that investigation is received by the court. That investigation shall be conducted by the department within thirty (30) days of the court’s notice and request for investigation.

32-717D. Parenting coordinator

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Provided that a court has entered a judgment or an order establishing child custody in a case, the court may order the appointment of a parenting coordinator to perform such duties as authorized by the court, consistent with any controlling judgment or order of a court relating to the child or children of the parties, and as set forth within the order of appointment. The court shall direct the parenting coordinator to provide a status report to the court at a time and in a manner as determined by the court. Provided however, that the court shall require the parenting coordinator to provide a minimum of one (1) status report to the court at least once every six (6) months. At any time during the period of appointment, the court, on its own initiative, or upon request of the parenting coordinator or either party, may hold a status conference to review the continued appointment of the coordinator and/or the status of the case.

(2) Qualification, selection, appointment, termination of appointment, and prescribed duties and responsibilities of a parenting coordinator shall be based upon standards and criteria as adopted by the Idaho supreme court. Provided however, that standards and criteria for qualification and selection of a parenting coordinator, as adopted by the Idaho supreme court, shall not apply to a parenting coordinator selected and agreed to by the parties. In addition, as a condition of any appointment, a parenting coordinator shall:

(a) Be neutral to the dispute and to the parties;

(b) Be either selected pursuant to agreement of the parties or appointed by the court; and

(c) Prior to any appointment, and at their own cost, have submitted to a criminal history check through any law enforcement office in the state providing such service. The criminal history check shall include a statewide criminal identification bureau, the federal bureau of investigation criminal history check, the national crime information center and the statewide sex offender register. A record of all background checks shall be maintained in the office of the supreme court of the state of Idaho with a copy going to the applicant and shall be available for review by the court considering a parenting coordinator appointment prior to an appointment.

(3) In addition to those duties as authorized by the court pursuant to the order of appointment, the responsibilities of a parenting coordinator shall include collaborative dispute resolution in parenting. The parenting coordinator shall act to empower the parties in resuming parenting controls and decision-making, and minimize the degree of conflict between the parties for the best interests of the children.

(4) The court shall allocate the fees and costs of the parenting coordinator between the parties and may enter an order against either or both parties for the reasonable costs, fees and disbursements of the parenting coordinator. Any dispute regarding payment of the fees and costs of the parenting coordinator shall be subject to review by the court upon request of the parenting coordinator or either party.(5) The court may award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party on a motion to set aside or modify the decision of a parenting coordinator.

32-717E. Supervised access providers--Record checks

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

In cases in which a court has ordered that contact between a person and one (1) or more children shall take place only in the presence of an approved provider, or where the court has ordered supervised exchanges or transfers of one (1) or more children, the court may appoint an individual or entity as a supervised access provider to provide such supervised access or to facilitate such exchanges or transfers. The qualifications and duties of supervised access providers shall be as specified in rules adopted by the supreme court. A supervised access provider who is paid for providing supervised access services shall, prior to acting in such capacity and at his or her own cost, submit to a fingerprint-based criminal history check through any law enforcement office in the state providing such service. The criminal history check shall include a statewide criminal identification bureau check, federal bureau of investigation criminal history check, child abuse registry check, adult protection registry check and statewide sex offender registry check. A record of all background checks shall be maintained in the office of the supreme court of the state of Idaho.

32-718. Vexatious or harassing modification proceedings

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Attorney fees and costs shall be assessed against a party seeking modification if the court finds that the modification proceeding is vexatious and constitutes harassment.

32-720. Petitions for modification--Child custody orders--Servicemembers

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) In the event a petition for modification of a child custody order is filed during the time that the court action may be subject to the servicemembers civil relief act, 50 U.S.C. App. section 501 et seq., because one (1) of the parties is a servicemember as defined in said act, the court shall determine if said act applies to the action pursuant to the jurisdiction provisions of the act. If the court determines that the act does apply, the court shall thereafter act in compliance with the terms of said act and, in addition, the following shall apply to the extent not in violation of said act:

(a) If the court determines that modification is in the best interest of the child pursuant to the provisions of section 32-717, Idaho Code, and the party who is a servicemember is deployed, the court may only enter an order or decree temporarily modifying the existing child custody order during the period of deployment, and upon completion by the servicemember of the period of deployment, the order or decree shall expire sixty (60) days after notification to the court, and to all persons entitled to notice in the action, of the deployed servicemember’s completion of deployment. Provided however, that:

(i) The court may thereafter conduct an expedited or emergency hearing for resolution of the child’s custody on the filing of a motion, filed prior to the expiration of the order, alleging that it would not be in the best interests of the child pursuant to the provisions of section 32-717, Idaho Code, if the order expires;

(ii) If a motion is so filed, the temporary order shall be extended until the court rules on the motion; and

(iii) Following the return from deployment of a deploying parent and until the temporary order for child custody is terminated, the court shall enter a temporary order granting the deploying parent reasonable contact with the child unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child pursuant to the provisions of section 32-717, Idaho Code.

(b) If the deployment of a party who is a servicemember affects the party’s ability or anticipated ability to appear at a regularly scheduled hearing related to a petition for modification of child custody, the court may provide for an expedited hearing to allow the servicemember to appear.

(c) If the deployment of a party who is a servicemember prevents the servicemember from appearing in person at a hearing related to a petition for the modification of child custody, the court may provide, upon reasonable advance notice to the parties, for the servicemember to present testimony and evidence by electronic means, if such can be done without prejudice to the ability of the servicemember to adequately and reasonably present such testimony and evidence.

(2) For purposes of this section:

(a) “Deployed” or “deployment” means military service performed in compliance with a valid order received by an active duty or reserve member of the armed services of the United States, national guard or United States coast guard to report for combat operations, contingency operations, peacekeeping operations, temporary duty, a remote tour of duty or other active service for which the deploying party reports. The term shall include those members who are actually deployed as well as those members with valid orders preparing to be deployed;

(b) “Electronic means” includes communication by telephone, video teleconference or the internet.

Chapter 8. Divorces for Insanity

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

32-801. Insanity a ground for divorce

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

A divorce may be granted for the cause of permanent insanity of the spouse: provided, that no divorce shall be granted under the provisions of this chapter unless such insane person shall have been duly and regularly confined in an insane asylum of this state, or of a sister state or territory, or foreign country for at least three (3) years next preceding the commencement of the action for divorce, nor unless it shall appear to the court that such insanity is permanent and incurable.

Chapter 10. Parent and Child

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

32-1005. Custody of children after separation of parents

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) When a husband and wife live in a state of separation, without being divorced, any court of competent jurisdiction, upon application of either, if an inhabitant of this state, may inquire into the custody of any unmarried minor child of the marriage, and may award the custody of such child to either, for such time and under such regulations as the case may require. The decision of the court must be guided by the welfare of the child.

(2) As used in this chapter:

(a) “Adaptive equipment” means any piece of equipment or any item that is used to increase, maintain or improve the parenting capabilities of a parent with a disability.

(b) “Disability” means, with respect to an individual, any mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one (1) or more major life activities of the individual including, but not limited to, self-care, manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning or working, or a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Disability shall not include transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, other sexual behavior disorders, substance use disorders, compulsive gambling, kleptomania or pyromania. Sexual preference or orientation is not considered an impairment or disability. Whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be determined without consideration of the affect of corrective or mitigating measures used to reduce the effects of the impairment.

(c) “Supportive services” means services which assist a parent with a disability to compensate for those aspects of their disability which affect their ability to care for their child and which will enable them to discharge their parental responsibilities. The term includes specialized or adapted training, evaluations, or assistance with effective use of adaptive equipment, and accommodations which allow a parent with a disability to benefit from other services, such as braille texts or sign language interpreters.

(3) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow discrimination on the basis of disability. If a parent has a disability as defined in this chapter the parent shall have the right to provide evidence and information regarding the manner in which the use of adaptive equipment or supportive services will enable the parent to carry out the responsibilities of parenting the child. The court shall advise the parent of such right. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any new or additional obligations on state or local governments to purchase or provide adaptive equipment or supportive services for parents with disabilities. In any case where the disability of a parent is found by the court to be relevant to an award of custody of a child, the court shall make specific findings concerning the disability and what affect, if any, the court finds the disability has on the best interests of the child.

32-1011. Parental right to the care, custody and control of children

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Parents who have legal custody of any minor child or children have the fundamental right to make decisions concerning their care, custody and control.

32-1012. Parental right to direct the education of children

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Parents who have legal custody of any minor child or children have the fundamental right and duty to make decisions concerning their education, including the right to cause the child to be educated in any manner authorized under section 33-202, Idaho Code, and section 9, article IX, of the constitution of the state of Idaho.

Chapter 17. De Facto Custodian Act

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

32-1703. De facto custodians

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) “De facto custodian” means an individual who:

(a) Is related to a child within the third degree of consanguinity; and

(b) Either individually or together with a copetitioner has been the primary caretaker and primary financial supporter of such child has resided with the individual without a parent present and with a lack of demonstrated consistent participation by a parent for a period of:

(i) Six (6) months or more if the child is under three (3) years of age; or

(ii) One (1) year or more if the child is three (3) years of age or older.

(c) For purposes of the definition in this section, “lack of demonstrated consistent participation” by a parent means refusal or failure to comply with the duties imposed upon the parent by the parent-child relationship. When determining a “lack of demonstrated consistent participation,” the court may consider parent involvement in providing the child necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care and education and in creating a nurturing and consistent relationship for the child’s physical, mental or emotional health and development.

(2) In determining if a petitioner or intervenor is a de facto custodian for the child, the court shall also take into consideration whether the child is currently residing with the petitioner or intervenor and, if not, the length of time since the child resided with the petitioner or intervenor.

(3) Any period of time after the filing of a petition pursuant to this chapter shall not be included in determining whether the child has resided with the individual for the time period as provided in subsection (1) of this section.

(4) An individual shall not be deemed a de facto custodian if a child has resided with the individual because:

(a) The child was placed in the individual’s care through a court order or voluntary placement agreement under title 16, Idaho Code; or

(b) The individual is or was cohabiting with, or is or was married to, a parent of the child.

32-1704. Commencement of proceedings

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) A child custody proceeding may be initiated in any court of this state with jurisdiction to determine child custody matters, by an individual:

(a) Filing a petition seeking a determination that he or she is a de facto custodian pursuant to section 32-1703, Idaho Code, and seeking custody of a child; or

(b) Filing a motion seeking permissive intervention pursuant to rule 24 of the Idaho rules of civil procedure, in a pending custody proceeding seeking a determination that he or she is a de facto custodian pursuant to section 32-1703, Idaho Code, and seeking custody of a child.

(2) A petition for custody or a motion to intervene based on the petitioners or intervenors alleged status as a de facto custodian, filed under this section, must state and allege:

(a) The name and address of the petitioner or intervenor and any prior or other name used by the petitioner or intervenor;

(b) The name of the respondent mother and father or guardian(s) and any prior or other name used by the respondent(s) and known to the petitioner or intervenor;

(c) The name and date of birth of each child for whom custody is sought;

(d) The relationship of the petitioner or intervenor to each child for whom custody is sought;

(e) The basis for jurisdiction asserted by the petitioner or intervenor;

(f) The current legal and physical custodial status of each child for whom custody is sought, whether a proceeding involving custody of the child, including a proceeding for an order or protection pursuant to section 39-6304, Idaho Code, is pending in a court in this state or elsewhere, and a list of all prior orders of custody, including temporary orders, if known to the petitioner or intervenor;

(g) Whether either parent is a member of the armed services, if known to the petitioner or intervenor;

(h) The length of time each child has resided with the petitioner or intervenor and the nature of the petitioners or intervenors role in caring for each child for whom custody is sought;

(i) The financial support provided by the petitioner or intervenor for each child for whom custody is sought;

(j) Whether physical and/or legal custody should be granted to and/or shared with the respondent(s); and

(k) The basis upon which the petitioner or intervenor is claiming that it is in the best interests of the child that the petitioner or intervenor have custody of the child.

(3) The petition or motion must be verified by the petitioner or intervenor.

(4) Written notice of a hearing on a petition or motion to intervene for custody of a child by a de facto custodian must be given to:

(a) The parent(s) of the child as defined in section 16-2002(11) and (12), Idaho Code; and

(b) The guardian or legal custodian, if any, of the child; and

(c) The child’s tribe pursuant to federal law, if the child is an Indian child as defined in the Indian child welfare act, 25 U.S.C. 1901, et seq.

(5) Written notice of a hearing on a petition for custody of a child by a de facto custodian must be given to the Idaho department of health and welfare if the petitioner has reason to believe that either parent receives public assistance, the petitioner receives public assistance on behalf of the child or either parent receives child support enforcement services from the Idaho department of health and welfare or applies for such public assistance or child support enforcement services after a petition under this section is filed. Notice to the Idaho department of health and welfare must include a copy of the petition.

(6) In an action for custody of a child by a de facto custodian, the parties must stipulate to, or the court must find, facts establishing by clear and convincing evidence that the petitioner or intervenor is a de facto custodian pursuant to the requirements of section 32-1703, Idaho Code, before the court considers whether custody with the de facto custodian is in the best interests of the child.

(7) Once a court has found facts supporting the qualification of the petitioner or intervenor as the de facto custodian of a child, the petitioner or intervenor must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that it is in the best interests of the child to be in the custody of the de facto custodian. In determining the best interests of the child, the court shall apply the standards as provided in section 32-717(1), Idaho Code.

(8) In determining whether the petitioner or intervenor has established that it is in the best interests of the child to be in the custody of the de facto custodian, the court may also consider:

(a) The circumstances under which the child was allowed to remain in the care of the de facto custodian, including whether the child was placed with the de facto custodian to allow the parent to seek work or to attend school;

(b) Whether the child is currently residing with the de facto custodian and, if not, the length of time since the petitioner or intervenor last functioned as the child’s de facto custodian.

32-1705. Nature of de facto custodian order--Access to records--Termination of de facto custodianship

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) A court may enter an order granting a de facto custodian sole or joint legal and/or physical custody as defined in section 32-717B(1), (2) and (3), Idaho Code, in the same manner as it would grant such custody to a parent.

(2) An order granting custody to a de facto custodian is subject to the continuing jurisdiction of the court and is modifiable in the same manner as an order establishing parental custody pursuant to section 32-717, Idaho Code, or a similar provision.

(3) A de facto custodian who has been granted sole or joint legal custody of a child shall have access to records pertaining to the child who is the subject of the de facto custodianship to the same extent as a parent would have such access pursuant to an order of legal custody.

(4) Any party to the proceeding granting custody to a de facto custodian may move for the termination of the custody order. A de facto custodian may move for permission to resign as de facto custodian.

(a) A party moving for termination of the de facto custodian-child relationship must show by a preponderance of the evidence that termination of the relationship would be in the best interests of the child.

(b) A motion for termination or for resignation may, but need not, include a proposal for the continuing custody of the child.

(c) After notice and hearing on a motion for termination or resignation, the court may terminate the custody of the de facto custodian and may make any further orders that may be appropriate in the best interests of the child.

Title 39. Health & Safety

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Chapter 63. Domestic Violence Crime Prevention

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

39-6301. Short title.

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Domestic Violence Crime Prevention Act.”

39-6302. Statement of purpose

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

For purposes of this chapter, the legislature adopts by reference the declaration of policy in section 39-5201, Idaho Code. Additionally, the legislature finds that a significant number of homicides, aggravated assaults, and assaults and batteries occur within the home between adult members of families. Furthermore, research shows that domestic violence is a crime which can be deterred, prevented or reduced by legal intervention. Domestic violence can also be deterred, prevented or reduced by vigorous prosecution by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors
and by appropriate attention and concern by the courts whenever reasonable
cause exists for arrest and prosecution.

The purpose of this act is to address domestic violence as a serious crime
against society and to assure the victims of domestic violence the protection
from abuse which the law and those who enforce the law can provide.

It is the intent of the legislature to expand the ability of the courts to
assist victims by providing a legal means for victims of domestic violence to
seek protection orders to prevent such further incidents of abuse. It is the
intent of the legislature that the official response to cases of domestic
violence shall stress the enforcement of the laws to protect the victim and
shall communicate the attitude that violent behavior in the home is criminal
behavior and will not be tolerated. It is the intent of the legislature to
presume the validity of protection orders issued by courts in all states, the
District of Columbia, United States territories and all federally recognized
Indian tribes within the United States, and to afford full faith and credit
to those orders. The provisions of this chapter are to be construed liberally
to promote these purposes.

39-6303. Definitions

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) “Domestic violence” means the physical injury,
sexual abuse or forced imprisonment or threat thereof of a family or household
member, or of a minor child by a person with whom the minor child has had or
is having a dating relationship, or of an adult by a person with whom the
adult has had or is having a dating relationship.

(2) “Dating relationship,” for the purposes of this chapter, is defined
as a social relationship of a romantic nature. Factors that the court may
consider in making this determination include:

(a) The nature of the relationship;
(b) The length of time the relationship has existed;
(c) The frequency of interaction between the parties; and
(d) The time since termination of the relationship, if applicable.

(3) “Family member” means spouses, former spouses and persons related by blood, adoption or marriage.

(4) “Family dwelling” is any premises in which the petitioner resides.

(5) “Foreign protection order” means a protection order issued by a
tribunal of another state.

(6) “Household member” means persons who reside or have resided together, and persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time.

(7) “Judicial day” means any day upon which court business may be
transacted as provided in sections 1-1606 and 1-1607, Idaho Code.

(8) “Protection order” means any order issued for the purpose of
preventing violent or threatening acts or acts of harassment against, or
contact or communication with, or physical proximity to, another person, where the order was issued:

(a) Pursuant to this chapter;
(b) In another jurisdiction pursuant to a provision similar to section
39-6306, Idaho Code; or
(c) In any criminal or civil action, as a temporary or final order (other
than a support or child custody order), and where the order was issued in
a response to a criminal complaint, petition or motion filed by or on
behalf of a person seeking protection, and issued after giving notice and
an opportunity to respond to the person being restrained.

(9) “Respondent” means the individual against whom enforcement of a
protection order is sought.

39-6304. Action for protection

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) There shall exist an action known as a “petition for a protection order” in cases of domestic violence.

(2) A person may seek relief from domestic violence by filing a petition
based on a sworn affidavit with the magistrates division of the district
court, alleging that the person or a family or household member, whether an
adult or a child, is the victim of domestic violence. Any petition properly
filed under this chapter may seek protection for any additional persons
covered by this chapter. A custodial or noncustodial parent or guardian may
file a petition on behalf of a minor child who is the victim of domestic
violence.

(3) A person’s right to petition for relief under this chapter shall not
be affected by that person’s having left the residence or household to avoid
abuse.

(4) The petition shall disclose the existence of any custody or any
marital annulment, dissolution or separation proceedings pending between the
parties, the existence of any other custody order affecting the children of
the parties, and the existence of child protection or adoption proceedings
affecting the children of any party.

(5) When the petitioner requests custody of any child, the petition shall
disclose

(a) The county and state where the child has resided for six (6) months
immediately prior to the filing of the petition;

(b) The party or other responsible person with whom the child is presently residing; and

(c) The party or other responsible person with whom the child has resided for six (6) months immediately prior to the filing of the petition.

(6) A petition shall be filed in the county of the respondent’s residence, the petitioner’s residence, or where the petitioner is temporarily residing.

39-6305. Fees waived

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

No filing fee, service fee, hearing fee or bond shall be charged for proceedings seeking only the relief provided under this chapter.

39-6306. Hearing on petition for protection order -- Relief provided and realignment of designation of parties

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Upon filing of a petition based upon a sworn affidavit for a protection order, the court shall hold a hearing to determine whether the relief sought shall be granted within fourteen (14) days. If either party is represented by counsel at a hearing seeking entry of a protection order, the court shall permit a continuance, if requested, of the proceedings so that counsel may be obtained by the other party. If the court finds that it is necessary for both parties to be represented by counsel, the court shall enter appropriate orders to insure that counsel is retained. The order entered may require either the petitioner or respondent, or both, to pay for costs of counsel. Upon a showing that there is an immediate and present danger of domestic violence to the petitioner the court may, if requested, order for a period not to exceed three (3) months that:

(a) Temporary custody of the minor children of the petitioner or of the parties be warded to the petitioner or respondent if exercise of such jurisdiction is consistent with the provisions of section 32-11-204, Idaho Code, and consistent with prior custody orders entered by a court of competent jurisdiction unless grounds exist pursuant to section 32-717, Idaho Code;

(b) A party be restrained from committing acts of domestic violence;

(c) Exclude the respondent from the dwelling which the parties share or from the residence of the petitioner;

(d) The respondent be ordered to participate in treatment or counseling services. The council on domestic violence, in recognition of the particular treatment requirements for batterers, shall develop minimal program and treatment standards to be used as guidelines for recommending approval of batterer programs to the court;

(e) Other relief be ordered as the court deems necessary for the protection of a family or household member, including orders or directives to a peace officer, as allowed under this chapter;

(f) The respondent be required to pay service fees, and to reimburse the petitioner for costs incurred in bringing the action, including a reasonable attorney’s fee;

(g) The respondent be restrained from contacting, molesting, interfering with or menacing the minor children whose custody is awarded to the petitioner; and/or

(h) The respondent be restrained from entering any premises when it appears to the court that such restraint is necessary to prevent the respondent from contacting, molesting, interfering with or menacing the petitioner or the minor children whose custody is awarded to the petitioner.

(i) The respondent be restrained from coming within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet or other appropriate distance of the petitioner, the petitioner’s residence, the school or place of employment of the petitioner, or any specified place frequented by the petitioner and by any other designated family member or specifically designated person of the respondent’s household, including the minor children whose custody is awarded to the petitioner.

(2) Immediate and present danger under this section includes, but is not limited to, situations in which the respondent has recently threatened the petitioner with bodily harm or engaged in domestic violence against the petitioner or where there is reasonable cause to believe bodily harm may result.

(3) No order made under this chapter shall in any manner affect title to real property.

(4) Relief shall not be denied because petitioner used reasonable force in self-defense against respondent, or because petitioner or respondent was a minor at the time of the incident of domestic violence.

(5) Any relief granted by the protection order, other than a judgment for costs, shall be for a fixed period not to exceed one (1) year; provided, that an order obtained pursuant to this chapter may, upon motion and upon good cause shown, continue for an appropriate time period as directed by the court or be made permanent if the requirements of this chapter are met, provided the order may be terminated or modified by further order of the court either on written stipulation filed with the court or on the motion of a party and after a hearing on the motion.. The motion to renew an order may be granted without a hearing, if not timely objected to by the party against whom the order was entered.

(6) In providing relief under this chapter, the court may realign the designation of the parties as “petitioner” and “respondent” where the court finds that the original petitioner is the abuser and the original respondent is the victim of domestic violence.

39-6306A. Uniform interstate enforcement of domestic violence protection orders act

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Short Title. This section may be cited as the “Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act.”

(2) Definitions. As used in this section:

(a) “Issuing state” means the state whose tribunal issues a protection
order.

(b) “Mutual foreign protection order” means a foreign protection order
that includes provisions in favor of both the protected individual seeking
enforcement of the order and the respondent.

(c) “Protected individual” means an individual protected by a protection
order.

(d) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular
possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term
includes an Indian tribe or band that has jurisdiction to issue protection
orders.

(e) “Tribunal” means a court, agency, or other entity authorized by law
to issue or modify a protection order.

(3) Judicial Enforcement of Order.

(a) A person authorized by the law of this state to seek enforcement of a
protection order may seek enforcement of a valid foreign protection order
in a tribunal of this state. The tribunal shall enforce the terms of the
order, including terms that provide relief that a tribunal of this state
would lack power to provide but for this section. The tribunal shall
enforce the order, whether the order was obtained by independent action or in another proceeding, if it is an order issued in response to a
complaint, petition or motion filed by or on behalf of an individual
seeking protection. In a proceeding to enforce a foreign protection order,
the tribunal shall follow the procedures of this state for the enforcement
of protection orders.

(b) A tribunal of this state may not enforce a foreign protection order
issued by a tribunal of a state that does not recognize the standing of a
protected individual to seek enforcement of the order.

(c) A tribunal of this state shall enforce the provisions of a valid
foreign protection order which govern custody and visitation if the order
was issued in accordance with the jurisdictional requirements governing
the issuance of custody and visitation orders in the issuing state.

(d) A foreign protection order is valid if it:

(i) Identifies the protected individual and the respondent;
(ii) Is currently in effect;
(iii) Was issued by a tribunal that had jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter under the law of the issuing state; and
(iv) Was issued after the respondent was given reasonable notice and had an opportunity to be heard before the tribunal issued the order or, in the case of an order ex parte, the respondent was given notice and has had or will have an opportunity to be heard within a reasonable time after the order was issued, in a manner consistent with the rights of the respondent to due process.

(e) A foreign protection order valid on its face is prima facie evidence
of its validity.

(f) Absence of any of the criteria for validity of a foreign protection
order is an affirmative defense in an action seeking enforcement of the
order.

(g) A tribunal of this state may enforce provisions of a mutual foreign
protection order which favor a respondent only if:

(i) The respondent filed a written pleading seeking a protection order from the tribunal of the issuing state; and
(ii) The tribunal of the issuing state made specific findings in favor of the respondent.

(4) Nonjudicial Enforcement of Order.

(a) A law enforcement officer of this state, upon determining that there
is probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists
and that the order has been violated, shall enforce the order as if it
were the order of a tribunal of this state. Presentation of a foreign
protection order that identifies both the protected individual and the
respondent and, on its face, is currently in effect constitutes probable
cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists. For the
purposes of this subsection, the foreign protection order may be inscribed on a tangible medium or may have been stored in an electronic or other medium if it is retrievable in perceivable form. Presentation of a
certified copy of a foreign protection order is not required for
enforcement.

(b) If a foreign protection order is not presented, a law enforcement
officer of this state may consider other information in determining
whether there is probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection
order exists.

(c) If a law enforcement officer of this state determines that an
otherwise valid foreign protection order cannot be enforced because the
respondent has not been notified or served with the order, the officer
shall inform the respondent of the order, make a reasonable effort to
serve the order upon the respondent, and allow the respondent a reasonable
opportunity to comply with the order before enforcing the order.
(d) Registration or filing of an order in this state is not required for
the enforcement of a valid foreign protection order pursuant to this
section.

(5) Registration of Order.

(a) Any individual may register a foreign protection order in this state
pursuant to section 39-6311, Idaho Code. To register a foreign protection order, an individual shall present a copy of a protection order which has been certified by the issuing state to a court of this state in order to be entered in the Idaho law enforcement telecommunications system pursuant to section 39-6311, Idaho Code.

(b) An individual registering a foreign protection order shall file with
the court an affidavit by the protected individual stating that, to the
best of the protected individual’s knowledge, the order is currently in
effect.

(c) A fee may not be charged for the registration of a foreign protection
order.

(d) A foreign protection order registered under this section may be
entered in any existing state or federal registry of protection orders, in
accordance with applicable law.

(6) Immunity. This state or a local governmental agency, or a law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, clerk of court, or any state or local governmental official acting in an official capacity, is immune from civil and criminal liability for an act or omission arising out of the registration or enforcement of a foreign protection order or the detention or arrest of an alleged violator of a foreign protection order if the act or
omission was done in good faith in an effort to comply with this section.

(7) Uniformity of Application and Construction. In applying and construing this section, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

(8) Transitional Provision. This section applies to foreign protection orders issued before July 1, 2002, and to continuing actions for enforcement of foreign protection orders commenced before July 1, 2002. A request for enforcement of a foreign protection order made on or after July 1, 2002, for violations of a foreign protection order occurring before that date is governed by this section.

39-6307. Security

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Whenever a protection order is issued under this chapter, the issuing court may set a security amount for a violation of the order.

39-6308. Ex-parte temporary protection order

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Where an application under this section alleges that irreparable injury could result from domestic violence if an order is not issued immediately without prior notice to the respondent, the court may grant an ex parte temporary protection order based upon the affidavit submitted or otherwise shall hold a hearing which may be ex parte on the day a petition is filed or on the following judicial day to determine whether the court should grant an ex parte temporary protection order, pending a full hearing, and grant such other relief as the court deems proper, including an order:

(a) Restraining any party from committing acts of domestic violence;

(b) Excluding any party from the dwelling shared or from the residence
of the other until further order of the court;

(c) Restraining any party from interfering with the other’s custody of
the minor children or from removing the children from the jurisdiction
of the court;

(d) Ordering other relief as the court deems necessary for the
protection of a family or household member, including orders or
directives to a peace officer, as allowed under this chapter;

(e) Restraining the respondent from contacting, molesting, interfering
with or menacing the minor children whose custody is awarded to the
petitioner;

(f) Restraining the respondent from entering any premises when it
appears to the court that such restraint is necessary to prevent the
respondent from contacting, molesting, interfering with or menacing the
petitioner or the minor children whose custody is awarded to the
petitioner; and/or

(g) Restraining the respondent from taking more than personal clothing
and toiletries and any other items specifically ordered by the court.

(2) An ex parte hearing to consider the issuance of a temporary protection order may be conducted by telephone in accordance with procedures established by the Idaho supreme court.

(3) Irreparable injury under this section includes but is not limited to situations in which the respondent has recently threatened the petitioner with bodily injury or has engaged in acts of domestic violence against the petitioner.

(4) The court shall hold an ex parte hearing on the day the petition is filed or on the following judicial day.

(5) An ex parte temporary protection order shall be effective for a fixed period not to exceed fourteen (14) days, but may be reissued. A full hearing, as provided in this chapter, shall be set for not later than fourteen (14) days from the issuance of the temporary order. The respondent shall be served with a copy of the ex parte order along with a copy of the petition and notice of the date set for the hearing. If the ex parte
temporary protection order substantially affects the respondent’s rights to enter the domicile or the respondent’s right to custody or visitation of the respondent’s children and the ends of justice so require, the respondent may move the court for an order shortening the time period within which the hearing required under the provisions of section 39-6306, Idaho Code, must be held. Motions seeking an order shortening the time period must be served upon the petitioner at least two (2) days prior to the hearing on the motion.

39-6309. Issuance of Order -- Assistance of peace officer -- Designation of Appropriate law enforcement agency

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

When an order is issued or a foreign protection order is recognized under this chapter upon request of the petitioner, the court may order a peace officer to accompany the petitioner and assist in placing the petitioner in possession of the dwelling or residence, or otherwise assist in the execution of the protection order. A certified copy of the order shall be prepared by the clerk for transmittal to the appropriate law enforcement agency as specified in section 39-6311, Idaho Code. Orders issued or foreign protection orders recognized under this chapter shall include an instruction to the appropriate law enforcement agency to execute, serve, or enforce the order.

39-6310. Order and service

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) An order issued under this chapter along with a copy of the petition for a protection order, if the respondent has not previously received the petition, shall be personally served upon the respondent, except as provided in subsections (6), (7) and (8) of this section.

(2) A peace officer of the jurisdiction in which the respondent resides shall serve the respondent personally unless the petitioner elects to have the respondent served by a private party at the petitioner’s own expense.

(3) If service by a peace officer is to be used, the clerk of the court shall have a copy of any order issued under this chapter and a copy of the petition for a protection order, if the respondent has not previously received the petition, forwarded on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order for service upon the respondent. Service of an order issued under this chapter shall take precedence over the service of other documents unless they are of a similar emergency nature.

(4) If the peace officer cannot complete service upon the respondent within ten (10) days, the sheriff or municipal peace officer shall notify the petitioner. The petitioner shall provide information sufficient to permit notification.

(5) Returns of service under this chapter shall be made in accordance with the applicable court rules.

(6) If an order entered by the court recites that the respondent appeared in person before the court and receives a copy of the order, the necessity for further service is waived and proof of service of that order is not necessary.

(7) If a party has appeared in person before the court and has waived personal service, the clerk of the court shall complete service of any notice of hearing or orders or modifications by certified mail to the party’s address as shown on the court petition which resulted in the issuance of the order or modification. Parties shall at all times keep the court informed of their current mailing address.

(8) If a foreign protection order is registered with the court under section 39-6306a, Idaho Code, the necessity for further service is waived and proof of service of that order is not necessary.

39-6311. Order--Transmittal to law enforcement agency--Record in Idaho public safety and security information system--Enforceability

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) The orders issued under sections 39-6306 and 39-6308, Idaho Code, or foreign protection orders recognized under section 39-6306A, Idaho Code, shall be in a form approved by the supreme court of the state of Idaho.

(2)(a) A copy of a protection order granted or a foreign protection order recognized under this chapter shall be forwarded by the clerk of the court on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order.

(b) Upon receipt of the order, the law enforcement agency shall forthwith enter the order and its expiration date into the Idaho public safety and security information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. Notification of service as required in section 39-6310, Idaho Code, shall also be entered into the Idaho public safety and security information system upon receipt. Entry into the Idaho public safety and security information system constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of the order. The order is fully enforceable in any county in the state. Renewals of the order shall be recorded in the same manner as original orders. The information entered shall specifically state that the protection order is civil in nature. If the appropriate law enforcement agency determines that the service information sheet is incomplete or cannot be entered into the Idaho public safety and security information system upon receipt, the service information sheet shall be returned to the clerk of the court. The clerk of the court shall then notify the petitioner of the error or omission.

(3) Law enforcement agencies shall establish procedures reasonably adequate to assure that an officer approaching or actually at the scene of an incident of domestic violence may be informed of the existence and terms of such protection order.

(4) A protection order shall remain in effect for the term set by the court or until terminated by the court. A protection order may, upon motion and upon good cause shown, be renewed for additional terms not to exceed one (1) year each if the requirements of this chapter are met. The motion to renew an order may be granted without a hearing, if not timely objected to by the party against whom the order was entered. If the petitioner voluntarily and without duress consents to the waiver of any portion of the protection order vis-a-vis the respondent pursuant to section 39-6313, Idaho Code, the order may be modified by the court.

39-6312. Violation of Order -- Penalties

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) Whenever a protection order is granted and the respondent or person to be restrained had notice of the order, a violation of the provisions of the order or of a provision excluding the person from a residence shall be a misdemeanor punishable by not to exceed one (l) year in jail and a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), ten dollars ($10.00) of which shall be deposited to the credit of the domestic violence project account created in section 39-5212, Idaho Code.

(2) A peace officer may arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated an order, if the person restrained had notice of the order.

(3) The person against whom a protection order has been issued by an out-of-state court is presumed to have notice of the order if the victim presents to the officer proof of service of the order.

39-6313. Order -- Modification -- Transmittal

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Upon application with notice to all parties and after a hearing, the court may modify the terms of an existing protection order. In any situation where an order is terminated or modified before its expiration date, the clerk of the court shall forward on or before the next judicial day a true copy of the modified order or the termination order to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the modification or termination order. Upon receipt of the order, the law enforcement agency shall promptly enter it in the Idaho law enforcement telecommunications system.

39-6314. Peace Officers -- Immunity

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

No peace officer may be held criminally or civilly liable for actions or omissions in the performance of the duties of his office under this chapter, including the enforcement of out-of-state protection orders, if the peace officer acts in good faith and without malice.

39-6315. Proceedings additional

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Any proceedings under this chapter are in addition to other civil or criminal remedies.

39-6316. Law enforcement Officers -- Training, powers, duties

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) All training provided by the peace officers standards and training academy relating to the handling of domestic violence complaints by law enforcement officers shall stress enforcement of criminal laws in domestic situations, availability of community resources, and protection of the victim. Law enforcement agencies and community organizations with expertise in the issue of domestic violence shall cooperate in all aspects of such training.

(2) When a peace officer responds to a domestic violence call, the officer shall give a written statement to victims which alerts the victim to the availability of a shelter or other resources in the community, and give the victim a written notice provided by the Idaho state police substantially stating the following:

If you are the victim of domestic violence , you can ask the city or county prosecuting attorney to file a criminal complaint. You also have the right to file a petition in magistrate court requesting an order for protection from domestic abuse which could include any of the following

(a) an order restraining your abuser from further acts of abuse;

(b) an order directing your abuser to leave your household;

(c) an order preventing your abuser from entering your residence, school, business, or place of employment;

(d) an order awarding you or the other parent custody of or visitation with your minor child or children; and

(e) an order restraining your abuser from molesting or interfering with minor children in your custody.

The forms you need to obtain a protection order are available from the clerk of the
district court. The resources available in this community for information relating to domestic violence, treatment of injuries and places of safety and shelters are (For safety reasons, inclusion of shelter/safe house addresses is not necessary). You also have the right to sue for losses suffered as a result of the abuse, including medical and moving expenses, loss of earnings or support, and other out-of-pocket expenses for injuries sustained and damage to your property. This can be done without an attorney in small claims court if the total amount claimed is less than five thousand dollars
($5,000).

(3) The peace officer shall make every effort to arrange, offer, or facilitate transportation for the victim to a hospital for treatment of injuries or to a place of safety or shelter.

(4) The law enforcement agency shall forward the offense report to the appropriate prosecutor within ten (10) days of making such report if there is probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed, unless the case is under active investigation.

39-6317. Severability

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

The provisions of this act are hereby declared to be severable and if any provision of this act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of remaining portions of this act.

39-6318. Order for transfer of wireless telephone service

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(1) In order to ensure that a requesting party can maintain an existing wireless telephone number and the wireless numbers of any minor children in the care of the requesting party, a court may issue an order, after notice and a hearing, directing a wireless telephone service provider to transfer the billing responsibility for and rights to the wireless telephone number or numbers to the requesting party, if the requesting party is not the account holder.

(2)(a) The order transferring billing responsibility for and rights to the wireless telephone number or numbers to a requesting party shall be a separate order that is directed to the wireless telephone service provider. The order shall list the name and billing telephone number of the account holder, the name and contact information of the person to whom the telephone number or numbers will be transferred and each telephone number to be transferred to that person. The court shall ensure that the contact information of the requesting party is not provided to the account holder.

(b) The order shall be served on the wireless service provider’s agent for service of process listed with the secretary of state.

(c) Where the wireless service provider cannot operationally or technically effectuate the order due to certain circumstances including, but not limited to, any of the following, the wireless service provider shall notify the requesting party when:

(i) The account holder has already terminated the account;

(ii) Differences in network technology prevent the functionality of a device on the network; or

(iii) There are geographic or other limitations on network or service availability.

(3)(a) Upon transfer of billing responsibility for and rights to a wireless telephone number or numbers to a requesting party, pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, by a wireless telephone service provider, the requesting party shall assume all financial responsibility for the transferred wireless telephone number or numbers, monthly service costs and costs for any mobile device associated with the wireless telephone number or numbers.

(b) This section shall not preclude a wireless service provider from applying any routine and customary requirements for account establishment to the requesting party as part of this transfer of billing responsibility for a wireless telephone number or numbers and any devices attached to that number or numbers including, but not limited to, identification, financial information and customer preferences.

(4) This section shall not affect the ability of the court to apportion the assets and debts of the parties as provided for in law or the ability to determine the temporary use, possession and control of personal property.

(5) No cause of action shall lie against any wireless telephone service provider, its officers, employees or agents for actions taken in accordance with the terms of a court order issued pursuant to the provisions of this section.

Title 56. Public Assistance and Welfare

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Chapter 2. Public Assistance Law

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

56-203A. Authority of department to enforce child support--Support enforcement services

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Whenever the department receives an application for public assistance on behalf of a child and it shall appear to the satisfaction of the department that said child has been abandoned by its parents, or that the child and one (1) parent have been abandoned by the other parent, or that the parent or other person who has a responsibility for the care, support or maintenance of such child has failed or neglected to give proper care or support to such child, the department shall take appropriate action under the provisions of this chapter, the abandonment or nonsupport statutes, or other appropriate statutes of this state to ensure that such parent or other person responsible shall pay for the care, support or maintenance of said dependent child.

The department may accept applications for support enforcement services on behalf of persons who are not recipients of public assistance and may take action as it deems appropriate to establish, modify or enforce support obligations against persons owing a duty to pay support. Action to establish support obligations may be taken under the abandonment or nonsupport statutes or other appropriate statutes of this state.

The department may charge fees to compensate it for services rendered in establishment of or enforcement of support obligations. The director shall, by rule, establish reasonable fees for support enforcement services, and said schedules of fees shall be made available to all applicants for support enforcement services. The department may, on showing of necessity, waive or defer any such fee.

Effective October 1, 1998, the department shall maintain a state case registry that contains records of each case in which enforcement services are being provided under this section and each child support order established or modified in the state from and after that date. Effective the same date, the department shall collect and disburse payments for all support orders related to cases for which services are provided under this section and each child support order established or modified after January 1, 1994, that is subject to income withholding orders. For child support orders established prior to January 1, 1994, at the option of each county and upon payment of the cost of the service, the department shall collect and disburse payments.

Idaho Court Rules

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Idaho Court Administrative Rules

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Rules Governing the Administration and Supervision of the Unified and Integrated Idaho Judicial System

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Part V. Other Court Standards and Procedures

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

Rule 59. Vexatious litigation

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

(a) The Court finds that the actions of persons who habitually, persistently, and without reasonable grounds engage in conduct that:

(1) serves merely to harass or maliciously injure another party in a civil action;

(2) is not warranted under existing law and cannot be supported by a good faith argument for an extension, modification, or reversal or existing law; or

(3) is imposed solely for delay, hinder the effective administration of justice, impose an unacceptable burden on judicial personnel and resources, and impede the normal and essential functioning of the judicial process. Therefore, to allow courts to address this impediment to the proper functioning of the courts while protecting the constitutional right of all individuals to access to the courts, the Court adopts the procedures set forth in this rule.

(b) “Litigation,” as used in this rule, means any civil action or proceeding, and includes any appeal from an administrative agency, any appeal from the small claims department of the magistrate division, any appeal from the magistrate division to the district court, and any appeal to the Supreme Court.

(c) An administrative judge may enter a prefiling order prohibiting a vexatious litigant from filing any new litigation in the courts of this state pro se without first obtaining leave of a judge of the court where the litigation is proposed to be filed. A district judge or magistrate judge may, on the judge’s own motion or the motion of any party, refer the consideration of whether to enter such an order to the administrative judge. The administrative judge may also consider whether to enter such a prefiling order on his or her own motion or the motion of a party if the litigant with respect to whom the prefiling order is to be considered is a party to an action before the administrative judge.

(d) An administrative judge may find a person to be a vexatious litigant based on a finding that a person has done any of the following:

(1) In the immediately preceding seven-year period the person has commenced, prosecuted or maintained pro se at least three litigations, other than in the small claims department of the magistrate division, that have been finally determined adversely to that person.

(2) After a litigation has been finally determined against the person, the person has repeatedly relitigated or attempted to relitigate, pro se, either (A) the validity of the determination against the same defendant or defendants as to whom the litigation was finally determined or (B) the cause of action, claim, controversy, or any of the issues of fact or law, determined or concluded by the final determination against the same defendant or defendants as to whom the litigation was finally determined.

(3) In any litigation while acting pro se, repeatedly files unmeritorious motions, pleadings, or other papers, conducts unnecessary discovery, or engages in other tactics that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.

(4) Has previously been declared to be a vexatious litigant by any state or federal court of record in any action or proceeding.

(e) If the administrative district judge finds that there is a basis to conclude that a person is a vexatious litigant and that a prefiling order should be issued, the administrative district judge shall issue a proposed prefiling order along with the proposed findings supporting the issuance of the prefiling order. The person who would be designated as a vexatious litigant in the proposed order shall then have fourteen (14) days to file a written response to the proposed order and findings. If a response is filed, the administrative district judge may, in his or her discretion, grant a hearing on the proposed order. If no response is filed within fourteen (14) days, or if the administrative district judge concludes following a response and any subsequent hearing that there is a basis for issuing the order, the administrative district judge may issue the prefiling order.

(f) A prefiling order entered by an administrative district judge designating a person as a vexatious litigant may be appealed to the Supreme Court by such person as a matter of right.

(g) The Supreme Court may, on the Court’s own motion or the motion of any party to an appeal, enter a prefiling order prohibiting a vexatious litigant from filing any new litigation in the courts of this state pro se without first obtaining leave of a judge of the court where the litigation is proposed to be filed. If the Supreme Court finds that there is a basis to conclude that a person is a vexatious litigant and that a prefiling order should be issued, the Court shall issue a proposed prefiling order along with the proposed findings supporting the issuance of the prefiling order. The person who would be designated as a vexatious litigant in the proposed order shall then have fourteen (14) days to file a written response to the proposed order and findings. If no response is filed within fourteen (14) days, or if the Supreme Court concludes following a response and any subsequent hearing that there is a basis for issuing the order, the prefiling order may be issued.

(h) Disobedience of a prefiling order entered pursuant to this rule may be punished as a contempt of court.

(i) A presiding judge shall permit the filing of new litigation by a vexatious litigant subject to a prefiling order only if it appears that the litigation has merit and has not been filed for the purpose of harassment or delay.

(j) If a vexatious litigant subject to a prefiling order files any litigation without first obtaining the required leave of a judge to file the litigation, the court may dismiss the action. In addition, any party named in the litigation may file a notice stating that the plaintiff is a vexatious litigant subject to a prefiling order. The filing of such notice shall stay the litigation. The litigation shall be dismissed by the court unless the plaintiff, within fourteen (14) days of the filing of the notice, obtains an order from the presiding judge permitting the litigation to proceed. If the presiding judge issues an order permitting the litigation to proceed, the time for the defendants to answer or respond to the litigation will begin to run when the defendants are served with the order of the presiding judge.

(k) The clerk of the court shall provide a copy of any prefiling order issued pursuant to this rule to the Administrative Director of the Courts, who shall maintain a list of vexatious litigants subject to prefiling orders.