Legislation

HB 543 would raise the dollar threshold of felony theft from $1000 to $2500 for those without a record of theft in the past 7 years. This threshold for felony theft has not been raised in years, making the penalty more punitive each year as inflation rises.

Idaho's Public Defense Commission (PDC) has a duty to promulgate rules related to the provision of indigent defense in Idaho, including establishing comprehensive caseload and reporting standards. The PDC's proposed rules fail to meet that duty.

HB 452 provides that juveniles shall not be held in county jail or adult prison facilities unless there is a finding of good cause by the court.

HB 196 would reduce barriers to employment for Idahoans returning to their communities post incarceration by removing the check box from applications encourages employers to eliminate blanket exclusions of people with criminal records.

Imposes regulation on individuals and charitable organizations who solicit or accept donations to help pay bail for those incarcerated in Idaho jails.

Prevents young people from being detained in secure facilities for "status offenses." A status offense is a noncriminal act that is considered a law violation only because of a young person's status as a minor.

SB 1027 establishes a payment system to financially compensate Idahoans who are wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit.