STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS26679
2016 Senate Bill 1373 provided Idaho's courts with the authority to issue civil protection orders for
those victimized by stalking, malicious harassment and telephone harassment. During the 2018 and 2019
legislative sessions, the judiciary informed the Legislature that many non-meritorious civil protection
petitions alleging telephone harassment were being filed with the Courts. Although the courts dismiss these
petitions, doing so consumes significant judicial time and resources. This legislation amends Idaho Code
Sections 18-7907 and 18-7908 to more prominently state the criteria warranting the issuance of a protection
order, and to expressly authorize judges, without a hearing, to dismiss those petitions that fail to state
facts sufficient to warrant a protection order. This legislation also contains clarifying language, updates
a reference to the "Idaho law enforcement telecommunications system" to the "public safety and security
information system," makes other technical changes and removes references to "irreparable injury."
FISCAL NOTE
This legislation will not increase existing or future appropriations, or decrease revenues by the state or units
of local government. This legislation is intended to decrease the number of non-meritorious petitions for
civil protection, reduce the judicial time and resources necessary to dismiss such non-meritorious petitions
as might be filed, and thereby reduce judicial costs.
Contact:
Senator Grant Burgoyne
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note S1117


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 18-7907, 18-7908