This bill amends Section 16-2005 of the Idaho Code, which outlines the conditions under which the court may grant the termination of parental rights. The amendments specify that the court can terminate parental rights if it is in the best interests of the child and if certain conditions are met, such as abandonment, neglect, abuse, or the parent being unable to fulfill parental responsibilities. Additionally, the bill introduces new factors for consideration, including the parent's efforts to reunify with the child and the child's bond with a substitute caretaker. Notably, the bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption that termination is in the child's best interest in cases of conception through rape or incest, chronic abuse, or sexual abuse.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the court cannot terminate parental rights based solely on a child's immunization status and allows for termination if a consent to termination has been filed in conjunction with an adoption petition. It also includes provisions for recognizing consents and terminations from other states, ensuring that they are accepted in Idaho under certain conditions. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-2005