Idaho Capitol Watch
SB 1294: INFANTS AND NEWBORNS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding hearing loss screening.
SB1294 adds a requirement that all Idaho infants and newborns receive hearing loss screening before hospital discharge or within 21 days for non-hospital births. Approved physiologic methods must be used, with failed results reported promptly to the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind (IESDB) for follow-up. The program is fully supported by federal funding with no new state costs and became effective July 1, 2026.
Status
Effective (July 1, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho Senate · Introduced February 13, 2026
Sponsors
- HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Committees
- JR for Printing
Bill history
- March 26, 2026 — House: Rules Suspended: Ayes 68 Nays 1 Abs/Excd 1, read in full as required – PASSED - 37-32-1AYES – Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Cheatum, Church, Cornilles, Egbert, Erickson, Fuhriman, Gannon, Garner, Green, Hall (passed)
- March 30, 2026 — Senate: Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker
- March 30, 2026 — House: Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate
- March 30, 2026 — House: Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor
- March 30, 2026 — House: delivered to Governor at 2 p.m. on 03/30/26
- March 31, 2026 — House: Signed by Governor on 03/31/26
- March 31, 2026 — House: Session Law Chapter 266
- July 1, 2026 — House: Effective: 07/01/2026
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