All Roll Calls
Yes: 103 • No: 0
IdahoH 07952026 regular legislative sessionHouse
OBSCENE MATERIAL AND LEWD MATTER – Amends existing law to revise the definition of “obscene material” and to revise the definition of “lewd matter.”
Sponsored By: STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
OBSCENE MATERIAL AND LEWD MATTER
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New rules for obscene books and films
Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho updates what counts as obscene or lewd in books, movies, and other media. A work is obscene only if, taken as a whole, it appeals to prurient interest and shows patently offensive sexual acts, masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd display of genitals. Material with serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value is not obscene. Selling it mainly for prurient appeal is evidence against such value. The law also clarifies related terms, like distribute, knowingly, reckless conduct, and aligns lewd‑matter and nuisance rules for publications and films.
New rules for obscene live shows
Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho updates what counts as obscene live conduct. Live conduct is obscene only if, taken as a whole, it appeals to prurient interest and is patently offensive because it consists of sexual acts, masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd display of genitals. Conduct with serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value is not obscene. Breastfeeding and expressing breast milk to feed a child are not banned. These rules apply to performers, venues, and event organizers.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Cindy J. Carlson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/26/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 34 • No: 0
House vote • 3/16/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 69 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on March 31, 2026 Session Law Chapter 262 Effective: 07/01/2026
4/1/2026Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker
3/30/2026SenateReported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
3/27/2026HouseRead third time in full – PASSED - 34-0-1
3/26/2026HouseRead second time; filed for Third Reading
3/24/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/23/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
3/17/2026SenateRead Third Time in Full – PASSED - 69-0-1
3/16/2026HouseRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/13/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/12/2026HouseReported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
3/2/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
2/27/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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