This bill amends Section 16-1613 of the Idaho Code to revise provisions regarding attendance at child protection hearings and introduces a new section, 16-1613A, to establish clearer guidelines for who may attend these hearings. The amendments include the removal of references to "The Child Protective Act" and the juvenile corrections act, replacing them with more specific language regarding the chapter and title. The bill emphasizes the right of children to participate in proceedings and outlines the conditions under which the court may exclude individuals from hearings, including the requirement for the court to document its reasoning for such decisions.

Additionally, the new section specifies that certain individuals, such as parents, guardians, and support persons, have a rebuttable presumption to be admitted to hearings, while all other persons are presumed to be excluded unless otherwise determined by the court. The court is tasked with considering various factors, including the best interests of the child and the potential impact of a person's presence on the child's well-being, when making decisions about attendance. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-1613