All Roll Calls
Yes: 68 • No: 0
IdahoH 08602026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET
PARENT AND CHILD – Amends existing law to provide for parental rights in medical decisions.
Sponsored By: WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
PARENT AND CHILD
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Stronger legal tools for parents
Parental rights are fundamental. The government can restrict them only with clear and convincing proof that the limit is essential, for a compelling interest, and is the least‑restrictive way. If your rights under this law are violated, you can sue the person, provider, or agency. Courts can award orders to stop the violation, money damages, and reasonable attorney fees; suits against the state also allow fee recovery. You generally have two years from the harm or from when you discovered the facts to file.
Parents can see kids' health records
Providers and government agencies must give you your minor child's health information when you ask and they control it. Access can be denied only in narrow cases: a court order, records about abuse, abandonment, or neglect, or if you are under investigation for a crime against the child and police request no release. These access rules are now in effect.
Parents guide kids' mental health care
Facilities may admit minors ages 14–18 who apply; parents or guardians must be told. A parent or guardian can ask for release, and the facility must release within three days, not counting weekends and legal holidays, unless continued care is lawfully extended. Any voluntary patient under 18 can be released only with the parent’s or guardian’s consent, and a director may detain up to three days to examine and seek continued care. A written treatment plan must include parent participation; for involuntary orders, the plan is due within seven days and copies go to the child and parents (a doctor may withhold the child’s copy if it would be harmful).
Parents must consent to kids' care
Parents with legal custody have the right and duty to decide a minor child's health care. Providers must get your prior informed consent before treating your child. You may sign a written Blanket Consent Form for repeat care, and you can revoke it anytime; no one can force you to sign, and it still counts even if the format is not perfect. Consent is not required in emergencies, when you cannot be reached after a diligent effort, for crime‑related evidence care, limited first aid, help from the 988 crisis line with 48‑hour follow‑up, or for pregnancy detection, prenatal, and peripartum care (not abortion). The law also repeals older minor‑consent and confidentiality statutes, shifting decisions back to parents.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Barbara Ehardt
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/16/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 68 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on March 31, 2026 Session Law Chapter 245 Effective: 03/31/2026
4/1/2026Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker
3/30/2026SenateReported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
3/27/2026HouseReported Engrossed; Filed for First Reading of Engrossed Bills
3/26/2026HouseReturned from the Senate Amended; Held at Desk
3/25/2026HouseRead second time as amended in the Senate, filed for Third Reading
3/24/2026HouseAmendments reported printed
3/23/2026HousePlaced in the Committee of the Whole
3/20/2026HouseReported out of committee; to 14th Order for amendment
3/18/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
3/17/2026SenateRead Third Time in Full – PASSED - 68-0-2
3/16/2026HouseRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/13/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/12/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
3/10/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment
Bill Text
Engrossment 1
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