Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1051 adds Section 7-1406A to Idaho Code, establishing clear statutory “good cause” exceptions that prevent the suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses for individuals behind on child support. The bill codifies specific scenarios in which courts must deny or stay license suspensions, including when the obligor is disabled (as verified by official agencies), recovering from a long-term illness or accident, enrolled in vocational rehabilitation or student programs, incarcerated without assets, receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or has full physical custody of the child. It also mandates that license suspension cannot occur if child support is already being collected through wage garnishment.

The bill clarifies that certain arguments—such as unemployment, unverified disability, disputes over support amounts, or visitation issues—do not qualify as “good cause.” Additionally, it nullifies Section 302 and Appendix A of IDAPA Rule 16.03.03, stripping administrative agencies of the power to define or deny good cause independently. The bill includes an emergency clause and is effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

S1051 strongly supports Idaho Republican Party Platform principles by restoring legislative authority over a key area of family law enforcement and limiting the reach of unelected administrative bodies. It promotes individual liberty and due process by ensuring that citizens are not stripped of the ability to work or drive without just cause. The bill balances accountability in child support enforcement with compassion and realism for disabled, incarcerated, or low-income Idahoans. By targeting automatic penalties and restoring reasonable judicial discretion, S1051 earns a positive rating.