The bill amends Section 18-1510 of the Idaho Code, which pertains to the provision of shelter to runaway children. It clarifies that licensed children's residential care facilities, registered children's institutions, and behavioral health youth crisis centers providing emergency runaway services are not guilty of a violation if they are unable to contact the child's parent or legal guardian, or if the child refuses to disclose that information. The bill also specifies that these facilities must notify local law enforcement of the child's whereabouts, and it retains the requirement for compliance with reporting obligations under section 16-1605 of the Idaho Code.

Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties for violations of this section, allowing for both imprisonment and fines, while removing the previous language that specified only fines. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 18-1510