This bill aims to strengthen Idaho's child custody interference laws by clarifying enforcement duties, establishing objective timelines for law enforcement response, and implementing a graduated penalty structure for violations. It amends Section 18-4506 of the Idaho Code to define child custody interference more clearly and outlines penalties for offenders, which range from fines for first and second offenses to potential felony charges for repeated violations. The bill also mandates that law enforcement officers verify the location and well-being of a child within four hours of receiving a report of custody interference and complete a written report detailing their findings.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 32-717F, which provides for additional periods of physical custody or visitation to compensate for any denial of court-ordered custody or visitation due to custody interference or investigations that do not substantiate claims of abuse or neglect. The court is required to order these additional periods unless good cause is shown otherwise, and they must occur within two years of the denial. The bill emphasizes that these provisions do not modify existing custody orders or create new causes of action against state agencies. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 18-4506