Idaho Passes Law Limiting Public Access to Crime Scene Images

New legislation inspired by 2022 University of Idaho student murders restricts release of sensitive death investigation materials.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:42pm

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A muted, somber illustration featuring a single, delicate flower or plant in the foreground, with a blurred, indistinct background, conveying a sense of reverence and respect for the deceased.The new Idaho law aims to safeguard the privacy and dignity of victims' families by restricting public access to sensitive crime scene materials.Boise Today

Idaho has passed a new law that will no longer allow the public release of crime scene images showing the bodies of deceased individuals. Senate Bill 1250, signed by Governor Brad Little, was approved more than three years after the 2022 University of Idaho student murders and addresses concerns about inconsistent practices in the state's death investigation system.

Why it matters

The legislation aims to protect the privacy and dignity of deceased individuals and their families, who have expressed fears about sensitive images becoming publicly available. The issue gained attention after crime scene materials from the Moscow investigation were released through public records requests last year, prompting concerns from victims' families.

The details

The new law exempts from public disclosure any photographs or images taken during death investigations by coroners or law enforcement, regardless of whether a case remains active. Those materials will only be available to immediate family members after all related investigations and legal proceedings have concluded. The bill was sponsored by Melissa Wintrow and co-sponsored by Lori Den Hartog and Bruce Skaug.

  • The legislation was signed into law by Idaho Governor Brad Little on March 27, 2026.
  • The new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Brad Little

The Governor of Idaho who signed Senate Bill 1250 into law.

Melissa Wintrow

The sponsor of Senate Bill 1250 in the Idaho legislature.

Lori Den Hartog

A co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1250 in the Idaho legislature.

Bruce Skaug

A co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1250 in the Idaho legislature.

Alivea Goncalves

The sister of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the victims in the 2022 University of Idaho student murders, who testified in support of the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“Families should not have to worry about graphic images of their loved ones being publicly distributed.”

— Allen Hodges

“I was concerned the images could eventually spread online.”

— Alivea Goncalves, Sister of Kaylee Goncalves

What’s next

The new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This legislation is a direct response to the concerns raised by the families of the victims in the 2022 University of Idaho student murders, who feared that sensitive crime scene images could become publicly available. By restricting access to such materials, the state aims to protect the privacy and dignity of the deceased and their loved ones.