House approves $3 million to support Idaho child advocacy centers

The Idaho House approved Senate Bill 12‑03 on April 2, 2025, sending the measure to the Senate after a recorded floor vote of 56 ayes, 11 nays and 3 recorded as absent/excused.

The bill provides a one‑time $3,000,000 general‑fund appropriation, delivered through the Domestic Violence Council, to support children’s advocacy centers across Idaho. The sponsor described the centers — located in Boise, Magic Valley (Twin Falls), Pocatello, Nampa, Rigby, Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint — as facilities that conduct forensic interviews, forensic medical exams, mental‑health services and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to child abuse allegations. On the floor one member said the centers ‘‘have a 95 percent conviction rate when they use the videos’’ produced in forensic interviews, and argued the funding assists prosecutors and improves outcomes for victims.

Backers described the appropriation as catching the centers up to previous funding levels and said the funds reduce the risk some centers will close. One lawmaker who said he had visited a Rigby center described child‑friendly interview rooms and the centers’ role in producing video evidence used in court. A member declared a potential conflict on the record because his organization refers clients to centers that could receive grants; the declaration was noted in the House journal.

Opposition on the floor was minimal; one member offered a potential conflict statement and the vote proceeded. The final roll call, as recorded in the House, was 56 ayes, 11 nays and 3 absent/excused. With the vote, SB 12‑03 passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate.

Ending: Lawmakers approved $3 million in one‑time funds to support Idaho’s children’s advocacy centers, a vote supporters said will help sustain forensic interviews, medical exams and mental‑health services used in prosecuting child abuse cases.