All Roll Calls
Yes: 22 • No: 13
IdahoS 12942026 regular legislative sessionSenateWALLET
INFANTS AND NEWBORNS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding hearing loss screening.
Sponsored By: HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
INFANTS AND NEWBORNS
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Hearing checks for all newborns
Beginning July 1, 2026, every baby in Idaho gets a hearing screen before leaving the hospital or birthing center. For births outside a facility, the birthing attendant must ensure screening within 21 days of birth. Tests must use methods approved by the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind, like OAE or AABR. Providers must report results to the IESDB within 7 days to support quick follow-up. All testing follows IESDB standards and schedules.
Newborn screening tied to federal funds
Beginning July 1, 2026, these screening rules apply only while federal money for infant hearing screening continues. If that funding ends and would raise state costs, the state does not enforce the rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Codi Galloway
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/20/2026
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 22 • No: 13
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor on 03/31/26 Session Law Chapter 266 Effective: 07/01/2026
4/1/2026Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker
3/30/2026SenateReturned From House Passed; referred to enrolling
3/27/2026SenateRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/26/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/25/2026HouseReceived from the Senate, Filed for First Reading
3/23/2026HouseRead third time in full as amended – PASSED - 22-13-0
3/20/2026SenateRetained on calendar
3/19/2026SenateRead second time as amended, filed for Third reading
3/17/2026SenateAmendments reported printed
3/16/2026SenatePlaced in the Committee of the Whole
3/13/2026SenateReferred to 14th Order for amendment
2/27/2026SenateRead second time; filed for Third Reading
2/23/2026SenateReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
2/20/2026SenateReported Printed; referred to Health & Welfare
2/16/2026SenateIntroduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing
2/13/2026Senate
Bill Text
Amendment
Bill Text
Engrossment 1
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