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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, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Content sellers face stricter obscenity rules

The law tightens the serious‑value exception for obscene and lewd material. Courts no longer consider the phrase “and in the context in which it is used.” Publishers, distributors, and venues face higher legal risk when they sell or show sexual content. Works that, taken as a whole, have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value are still not banned.

New obscenity rules start July 1, 2026

The law takes effect on July 1, 2026. From that date, Idaho uses the new definitions of obscene material and lewd matter. The stricter exception language and related rules apply to sales, rentals, and displays statewide.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Cindy J. Carlson

    Republican • Senate

  • Jaron Crane

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 103 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/26/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/16/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Reported Signed by Governor on March 31, 2026 Session Law Chapter 262 Effective: 07/01/2026

    4/1/2026

  2. Delivered to Governor at 12:31 p.m. on March 30, 2026

    3/30/2026

  3. Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor

    3/30/2026Senate

  4. Signed by President; returned to House

    3/30/2026Senate

  5. Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate

    3/27/2026House

  7. Returned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling

    3/26/2026House

  8. Read third time in full – PASSED - 34-0-1

    3/26/2026Senate

  9. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    3/24/2026Senate

  10. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Introduced, read first time; referred to: State Affairs

    3/17/2026Senate

  12. Received from the House passed; filed for first reading

    3/17/2026Senate

  13. Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 69-0-1

    3/16/2026House

  14. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    3/13/2026House

  15. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading

    3/12/2026House

  16. Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs

    3/2/2026House

  17. Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing

    2/27/2026House

Bill Text

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