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House approves bill creating aggravated lewd-conduct offenses; sponsors say prosecutors need tools
Summary
House Bill 380 creates aggravated offenses and mandatory minimums for certain lewd conduct involving minors. Sponsors said the measure fills gaps in Idaho law; opponents noted possible constitutional litigation. The House passed the bill 63-0 (with absences).
The Idaho House approved House Bill 380 on March 17, a measure that creates new aggravated offenses and mandatory minimum penalties for severe lewd conduct involving minors. Sponsors said the change gives prosecutors additional options in the most serious cases; supporters characterized the measure as a child-protection tool. The clerk recorded final passage of the bill on the floor (roll call reported 63 ayes, with 7 absent or excused).
Sponsor remarks described the bill as narrowly targeted to address “the most heinous” sexual crimes against children and said aggravating factors — such as multiple victims or serious physical injury — would trigger enhanced penalties. The sponsor told the House the change was designed to provide prosecutors and victims with additional sentencing options and said committee testimony included victim survivors urging action.
Supporters on the floor, including former prosecutors, said current Idaho statutes are insufficient to address certain severe offenses and noted similar legislative efforts in other states. Several backers acknowledged the bill could face constitutional challenges and said they expected litigation but argued the state should act to define enhanced punishments for particularly egregious conduct.
Opponents were limited on the floor record; some members urged treatment and preventive measures for people with proclivities, and several speakers framed the bill as a necessary protection for children. The sponsor and supporters emphasized the rarity of seeking the most extreme penalties and noted that a jury — and, if appealed, courts — would ultimately determine the application of enhanced sentences.
After debate, the House adopted the bill and ordered it transmitted to the Senate. The floor record shows supporters and prosecutors argued the bill fills a statutory gap for extremely serious offenses; backers also acknowledged that a constitutional challenge is possible.
