This bill amends Chapter 12, Title 39 of the Idaho Code by adding a new section, 39-1212, which establishes specific safety-related rights for children placed in foster care. The legislation emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of foster children, recognizing them as particularly vulnerable individuals under the care of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The new provisions outline various rights for foster children, including the right to a safe environment, freedom from abuse, timely medical assessments, and appropriate basic essentials. Additionally, the bill allows for the limitation of visitation if it poses a risk to the child's safety and mandates that the department provide written notice of these rights to each child at the time of placement and during subsequent changes.

The bill also clarifies that the rights enumerated are not exhaustive and should be interpreted in the best interests of the child. It explicitly states that the implementation of these rights will not expand the authority of the state or create new enforcement mechanisms. Alleged violations of these rights can be raised within ongoing juvenile proceedings, and the court is empowered to consider such allegations and order appropriate remedies. Furthermore, the bill ensures that the ability of children and their representatives to contact the health and social services ombudsman regarding concerns remains intact, while also declaring an emergency for the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.