Idaho Bill Aims to Expedite Social Worker Investigations for At-Risk Infants

Lawmakers advance legislation to prioritize child welfare checks for infants with known risk factors

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:54pm

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In response to the death of a 12-day-old infant in Nampa, Idaho, lawmakers have advanced a bill that would require the state's Department of Health and Welfare to quickly investigate reports of potential abuse or neglect for infants with certain risk factors, such as parents with prior child abuse convictions or terminated parental rights. The bill faced some opposition over concerns about parental rights, but supporters argued it would help prevent similar tragedies.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to address systemic failures that may have contributed to the death of baby Benji, whose family had previously alerted authorities about concerns. Supporters say the bill could help protect other vulnerable infants in high-risk situations, while opponents worry it infringes on parental rights.

The details

House Bill 776, sponsored by Nampa Republican Rep. Steve Tanner, would require the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to verify reported risk factors within 12 hours and conduct a safety assessment as a top priority if certain risk factors are present. These include parents having prior substantiated abuse or neglect cases, terminated parental rights, or a child born with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

  • In December, a 12-day-old infant named Benjamin, 'Benji,' died in Nampa despite calls to authorities about concerns for the child's safety.
  • On March 17, 2026, the House Health and Welfare Committee voted 12-4 to approve the bill and send it to the full House for further consideration.

The players

Steve Tanner

Nampa Republican state representative who sponsored House Bill 776.

Tanya Burgoyne

Pocatello Republican state representative who opposed the bill, citing concerns about parental rights.

John Vander Woude

Nampa Republican state representative and chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, who said the bill was 'easy' to support.

Monique Peyre

Adoptive parent of Benji's older siblings, who testified about the trauma the children experienced.

Gabrielle Messick

Nampa hospital social worker who said she often encounters high-risk situations but struggles to get a timely response from child protective services.

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What they’re saying

“It's a light, but yet firm touch. It does not instruct the department to adopt any new procedure or new course of action. It simply instructs the department to give the situation its highest priority and immediate focus. This bill does not instruct the department to take any specific action regarding the child or child custody. It simply says, 'Get your eyes on the situation as quickly as possible.'”

— Steve Tanner, State Representative

“I want to take a minute and represent the parents of Idaho. There are rights that are at stake here for parents. This is a loss to parental rights. This is government overreach.”

— Tanya Burgoyne, State Representative

“My children have overcome severe trauma through significant amounts of therapy, but the idea of another child living through this broke me every minute he was alive. To be told repeatedly that history doesn't matter, and this is a new case. To help locate the family and be disregarded, and then to find out the infant died the next day with no welfare check being done, is an experience I would never wish upon anybody.”

— Monique Peyre, Adoptive Parent

“I will immediately call CPS as soon as we have confirmed that there is reason to. But we don't often get a response. Sometimes even days will go by to the point that that baby will discharge home with those parents with very real concerns.”

— Gabrielle Messick, Nampa Hospital Social Worker

“Babies shouldn't have to rely on luck.”

— Janelle Anderson

What’s next

The bill will go to the full Idaho House for further consideration. If passed, it will then move to the state Senate.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to address systemic failures that may have contributed to the tragic death of baby Benji, with the goal of better protecting other vulnerable infants in high-risk situations. However, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between child welfare and parental rights.