Idaho Capitol Watch
SB 1266: FOSTER CARE – Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding foster care placement.
Amends Idaho Code sections 16-1622, 16-2002, 39-1202, and 39-1211A to revise foster care provisions, expand kinship foster care licensing flexibility, accelerate parental rights termination timelines from 15 to 12 months, establish six-month review hearings for extended foster care (ages 18-23), and declare an emergency effective July 1, 2026.
Status
Effective (July 1, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho Senate · Introduced February 6, 2026
Sponsors
- HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Committees
- JR for Printing
Bill history
- March 24, 2026 — House: Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 70-0-0AYES – Alfieri, Barbieri, Beiswenger, Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Bruce, Burgoyne, Cannon, Cayler, Cheatum, Church, Cornilles, Crane(12), Crane(13), Dygert, Egbert, (passed)
- March 25, 2026 — Senate: Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker
- March 25, 2026 — House: Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate
- March 26, 2026 — House: Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor
- March 26, 2026 — House: delivered to Governor at 11:16 a.m. on 03/26/26
- March 27, 2026 — House: Signed by Governor on 03/27/26
- March 27, 2026 — House: Session Law Chapter 198
- July 1, 2026 — House: Effective: 07/01/2026
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