This bill amends Section 27-502 of the Idaho Code to enhance the protection of graves and burial sites by revising the provisions regarding prohibited acts. Key changes include the replacement of the term "wilfully" with "willfully" and the introduction of new prohibitions against possessing, selling, or publicly displaying human remains and artifacts taken from graves. The bill also clarifies exemptions for certain actions, such as those performed by law enforcement, medical facilities, and educational institutions, while establishing penalties for violations, which are classified as felonies.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for the seizure of evidence related to violations, allowing authorized personnel to seize evidence for forensic testing and subjecting it to forfeiture if deemed necessary by a court. The bill emphasizes the importance of reinterring human remains disturbed inadvertently and mandates that the state historical society partially bear the costs of such reinterment, except in cases of prohibited acts that are not exempted. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, due to an emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 27-502