Idaho Senate passes coroners reform, safe-haven placement rules and medical-freedom bill; dozens of other measures advance

The Idaho Senate on Feb. 26 voted on a series of bills touching public safety, child welfare, health policy and education funding, approving major measures including a coroners’ reform bill, a bill setting rapid placement rules for infants surrendered in safe-haven boxes, and a broadly written "medical freedom" act while advancing appropriations and education measures to the House.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 11‑01, a package of changes to county coroner duties and training designed by coroners and local authorities and developed following a Joint Legislative Oversight Committee (JLOC) review. “Before you today is a bill that is a long time coming,” said Senator Tanner Wintrow, one of the bill sponsors, citing a multi-year effort and an Office of Performance Evaluation report that found low autopsy rates in Idaho. The bill narrows and clarifies coroner responsibilities and emphasizes training; supporters said it will increase consistency in death investigations across counties. Opponents raised concerns that some rural counties could struggle to meet new expectations, in particular language describing use of forensic pathologists. The Senate approved the bill 25 in favor, 10 against; the measure will be transmitted to the House.

The Senate also approved the judicial branch maintenance appropriation, Senate Bill 11‑06. "This is fiscal year 2026 maintenance appropriation for the judicial branch," said Senator Sarah Carlson in opening remarks, which listed line items including court operations and judicial council expenses. The bill presented FY2026 appropriation figures in the debate packet (the floor discussion cited prior-year and base figures and adjustments) and the Senate passed the measure (vote count reported on the floor: 33 in favor, 2 absent excused). The bill will be sent to the House for its consideration.

On child-welfare and adoption policy the Senate approved two measures. Senate Bill 10‑58, the Safe Haven bill, requires the Department of Health & Welfare to maintain a vetted list of licensed adoption agencies so infants surrendered in safe-haven boxes can be placed with waiting adoptive families quickly; custody transfer to an adoption agency is required within 24 hours unless medical care or other circumstances delay placement. Sponsor Senator Lori Nichols…