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Committee sends bill clarifying sexual contact in prisons to the Senate floor
Summary
H 696, which expands the definition of sexual contact for correctional staff and aims to strengthen protections for incarcerated women, passed the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee by voice vote after testimony citing under‑prosecution of reported abuse.
Senator Tammy Nichols presented H 696, saying it "addressed sexual misconduct within Idaho's correctional system" by clarifying the definition of sexual contact for correctional staff and ensuring clearer standards for prosecution and accountability.
Dr. Mary Mosley, President of the American Association of University Women of Idaho, testified in support and cited reporting that had identified numerous alleged cases of sexual abuse in Idaho prisons over several years. "The current statute's restrictive definition of sexual contact made prosecuting such abuse difficult," she said, and supporters argued the bill would give staff, inmates and investigators clearer legal standards. Bonnie McKay Pfaff also testified in support, saying the change would strengthen protections for incarcerated women.
Senators voted to send H 696 to the floor with a do pass recommendation by voice vote.
