STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS30063C1 / H0066
This legislation creates a new section of Idaho Code, 18-5415, related to reporting abuse, neglect or the
abandonment of children under the Child Protective Act (CPS). Currently a person who reports allegations to
CPS that they know to be false or reports allegations in bad faith or with malice is subject to civil liability
to the parties against whom the report was made. This legislation adds a misdemeanor criminal penalty for
these types of reports.
FISCAL NOTE
There is no fiscal impact to the general fund to implement this legislation. If local governments were to
prosecute persons under this new section, there are potential new costs to those local governments, but this
legislation will simultaneously reduce the number of false reports to CPS, which will reduce costs of the
department an local governments as they aid in CPS investigations.
Contact:
Senator Scott Herndon
(208) 332-1000
Representative Heather Scott
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/01/2023, 9:15 AM