The bill establishes a new section, 16-1650, in Chapter 16, Title 16 of the Idaho Code, aimed at enhancing the safety of newborns by mandating expedited safety reviews for infants under one year of age when there are concerns regarding their caregivers. The legislation emphasizes the need for immediate action when a parent, guardian, or legal custodian has a history of child abuse, sexual offenses, or prior termination of parental rights due to abuse or neglect. The Department of Health and Welfare is required to verify any reported risk factors within twelve hours and, if verified, initiate a priority response to conduct a full safety assessment.

The bill outlines specific risk factors that necessitate action, including prior convictions for child injury, recent terminations of parental rights, and cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome. It also clarifies that the department's safety assessment must evaluate compliance with court-ordered conditions, the child's living environment, and any previous investigations related to the household. Importantly, the bill states that the presence of a medical condition or diagnosis alone does not imply abuse or neglect. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.