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Family members tell Idaho panel access to coroner photos matters for closure
Summary
Two relatives testified in support of S 1250, describing emotional harm from widely circulated investigative photos and urging clearer language so families can obtain images without undue delay.
Two witnesses who said they lost family members urged the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee to ensure S 1250 allows timely family access to investigative photos. Allen Hodges, a resident of Canyon County, recounted his experience with his deceased minor daughter and warned that the bill's wording risks leaving families without access: he criticized the bill's use of "may" versus "shall," saying the discretionary term could "give too much discretion, and may delay the release of photos."
Alivea Goncalves, the sister of Kaylee Goncalves who was murdered in November 2022, told the committee that early crime scene photos "were everywhere and unavoidable," and said having access to additional photos later helped her gain clarity when discussing the case. Both witnesses framed access to images as part of family closure and transparency; Senator Wintrow commended them for sharing their experiences during the hearing. The minutes record no formal change to the bill language during the meeting; the committee ultimately recommended do-pass and forwarded S 1250 to the Senate floor.
