The bill amends the Idaho Code regarding worker's compensation by introducing a new definition for "member of an employer's family," which now includes individuals related to the employer by blood, adoption, or marriage, as well as grandchildren. It removes the previous definition and updates various sections to correct code references for clarity. Additionally, Section 72-212 is modified to clarify exemptions from worker's compensation coverage, particularly for household domestic service, casual employment, and family members. It specifies that family members living in the employer's household are exempt unless coverage is elected, and outlines conditions for family members not residing with the employer to opt out of coverage. The bill declares an emergency and sets an effective date for these changes.

Moreover, the bill enhances confidentiality protections for communications in professional contexts, particularly for first responders and mental health professionals. It establishes that peer support counseling communications by first responders cannot be disclosed without consent, except in specific situations like threats of suicide or criminal acts. It also grants immunity to certificated counselors and psychologists in schools from disclosing student communications without consent, while protecting parents from being compelled to disclose communications made by their minor children, with exceptions for violence or child abuse cases. The bill addresses occupational diseases and psychological injuries for first responders, detailing conditions for compensation related to psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress injury, and clarifying that such injuries must be linked to employment-related events and accompanied by physical injury for compensation eligibility.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 72-102, 72-212, 9-203, 72-438, 72-451