Idaho Senate passes bill moving newborn screening rules into state law

The Idaho Senate on Feb. 4 approved Senate Bill 10‑14, which moves existing newborn‑screening rules into Idaho law; the chamber voted to pass the bill and the measure will be transmitted to the Idaho House of Representatives.

Sen. Blaylock, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the proposal “moves existing rules on newborn screening into Idaho Code” and said the bill does not introduce new requirements or change current practices. He described the change as shifting oversight from agency rulemaking to the elected lawmakers in the Senate.

The measure affects screening tests conducted on infants born in Idaho; senators were told the statewide requirement has been in place since 1921. Proponents framed SB 10‑14 as a technical move to place long‑standing clinical testing rules in statute rather than in administrative rules overseen by agency staff. Debate on the floor was brief and limited to the sponsor’s remarks; no amendments or substantive objections were recorded.

After brief debate, the Senate voted to pass SB 10‑14. The roll call recorded 35 ayes, 0 nays; the secretary announced the bill would be transmitted to the House of Representatives for further action.

The change places the existing newborn‑screening standards in Idaho Code, enabling the Legislature to modify those provisions in future sessions rather than relying solely on agency rulemaking. No new tests or medical requirements were added by the bill as described on the floor.

Sen. Blaylock opened and closed debate for SB 10‑14; no other floor speakers questioned the provision during third reading. The bill’s next step is consideration by the House.