Idaho Capitol Watch
HB 59: MEDICAL ETHICS DEFENSE ACT – Adds to existing law to establish the Medical Ethics Defense Act.
Establishes the Medical Ethics Defense Act protecting health care providers' right of conscience from participating in procedures violating their religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. Provides whistleblower and free speech protections, civil remedies, with exceptions for emergency care and essential job functions.
Status
Signed by Governor (March 20, 2025) · Originated in the Idaho House · Introduced January 24, 2025
Sponsors
- HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
- LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
- Sixty-eighth Legislature First Regular Session - 2025
- Legislative Co-sponsors
- RS31973
- Senator Nichols Representative Bruce
- Senator Zuiderveld Representative Beiswenger
- Senator Zito Representative Crane(13)
Committees
- JRA for Engrossing
- JRA for Printing
Bill history
- March 13, 2025 — House: Read second time as amended in Senate; Filed for Third Reading (amended)
- March 13, 2025 — House: Rules Suspended: Ayes 62 Nays 4 Abs/Excd 4, read in full as required – PASSED - 58-9-3AYES – Alfieri, Andrus, Barbieri, Beiswenger, Boyle, Bruce, Burgoyne, Cannon, Cayler, Cheatum, Clow, Cornilles, Cr (passed)
- March 14, 2025 — House: Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
- March 17, 2025 — Senate: Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker
- March 17, 2025 — Senate: Signed by President; returned to House
- March 17, 2025 — Senate: Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
- March 18, 2025 — Senate: Delivered to Governor at 3:20 p.m. on March 17, 2025
- March 20, 2025 — Senate: Reported Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025 Session Law Chapter 101 Effective: 03/19/2025
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