Idaho House Committee Advances Bill to 'Clean Up' Parental Consent Law

The proposed changes aim to address unintended barriers to medical care for minors under 18.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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An Idaho House committee unanimously voted to advance a bill, House Bill 860, that would make several changes to a 2024 law requiring parental consent for nearly all medical care for minors under 18. The proposed revisions seek to address unintended consequences of the original law, including limiting access to emergency first aid, medical exams after reported abuse, and support through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

Why it matters

The 2024 parental consent law has faced criticism for creating barriers to timely and appropriate medical care for Idaho's youth, particularly in situations involving mental health crises, sexual assault, and other sensitive issues where parental involvement may not be immediately available or advisable. The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between parental rights and ensuring minors can access necessary, non-life-threatening care.

The details

House Bill 860 would clarify that the parental consent law should not prohibit providing non-emergency first aid, allow treatment for 'serious bodily harm' or to prevent 'serious physical illness or injury,' add new requirements for blanket parental consent, permit certain time-sensitive examinations related to alleged crimes against the child, and enable the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline to provide immediate services and follow-up calls. The bill would also allow diagnosis of pregnancy, prenatal care, and peripartum care, excluding abortion.

  • The 2024 parental consent law went into effect on July 1, 2024.
  • House Bill 860 was advanced by the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee on March 11, 2026.

The players

House Bill 860

A bill introduced in the Idaho House to make changes to the 2024 parental consent law.

Barbara Ehardt

The Republican representative from Idaho Falls who sponsored House Bill 860.

Lee Flinn

The director of the Idaho 988 Crisis and Suicide Hotline, who supported the changes in the bill.

Brian Naugle

The executive director of the Idaho Prosecutors Association, who asked for amendments to the bill regarding collecting evidence in cases of alleged crimes against children.

Kelly Anthon

The Republican state senator who sponsored the original 2024 parental consent law and pushed a bill in 2025 to address some of its consequences, which did not advance in the House.

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What they’re saying

“Imagine being 15 trying to tell your parents that you want to die, not because you hate them but because you hate yourself. That takes courage most adults can't even imagine.”

— Jace Woods, Meridian High School freshman (Idaho Capital Sun)

“This immediate human connection can be the difference between a crisis escalating or a life being saved.”

— Lee Flinn, Idaho 988 Director (Idaho Capital Sun)

What’s next

If House Bill 860 passes the full House, it will move to the Senate for consideration. Lawmakers noted there may be an opportunity for the Senate to consider additional amendments to the bill.

The takeaway

The proposed changes to Idaho's parental consent law aim to strike a balance between protecting parental rights and ensuring minors can access necessary, non-life-threatening medical care, including mental health support and services related to alleged crimes. The bill's advancement highlights the ongoing efforts to address the unintended consequences of the original 2024 law.