Senate passes bill broadening newborn screening exemptions to include philosophical and medical grounds

Senate Bill 11-79 passed the Idaho Senate on March 28, 2025, broadening the statutory exemption language for newborn screening to include philosophical and medical grounds in addition to religious exemptions. Sponsor Senator Blaylock described the measure as a trailer to a previously enacted bill that moved newborn-screening rules into Idaho Code; she said SB 11-79 “broadens that exemption language” and declared the debate open.

Several senators spoke in support on the floor, saying the bill restores or clarifies parental choice. Senator Toews, Senator Wintrow (who spoke reluctantly in favor after consultations), and Senator Shippey each said they would support the measure, describing concerns discussed in committee and why they concluded the change was appropriate. Sponsor Blaylock closed by saying the bill puts into code a practice she believed already existed.

During third reading, debate was limited and no amendments were recorded. The roll-call vote was announced as 31 in favor, 3 opposed and 1 absent; the secretary said a majority having voted in the affirmative, SB 11-79 passed the Senate and will be transmitted to the House. No effective-date language beyond the bill text was discussed on the floor.

The bill was described on the floor as modifying Idaho Code section 39-912 (as cited in debate) and as related to an earlier measure, Senate Bill 10-14, which moved newborn-screening rules into statute. Floor debate focused on parental rights, the importance of screening for rare conditions, and concerns about certain procedures such as eye drops and the vitamin K shot raised by some constituents.

No amendments were adopted on the floor; the bill proceeds to the House for further action.