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Idaho lawmakers move to expand ‘sexual contact’ definition to hold prison staff accountable
House Bill 696 aims to close legal gaps by expanding sexual contact definitions to hold more Idaho prison staff accountable for abuse, following reports of 37 accused workers in a decade.
- On Friday, Feb. 27 the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee unanimously advanced House Bill 696, which would expand Idaho's legal definition of sexual contact, sending it to the full House.
- Spurred by InvestigateWest's investigation, lawmakers seek changes after reporting exposed sexual-abuse allegations against women's prison staff and Idaho's 1993 'sexual contact with a prisoner' law omits kissing and groping.
- At last week's hearing, survivor Andrea Weiskircher said she accused five prison workers, and three other Idaho women urged lawmakers to pass the bill, including Audrey Numbers.
- Supporters say the change could lead to more investigations and prosecutions, with Tina Transue, Department of Correction government relations advisor, saying 'we're excited that it gives us more teeth'; if passed, the bill still must clear the Senate and the governor.
- Erickson said the proposal alone is insufficient and signaled next year’s internal investigations reforms, while Idaho State Police indicated they will ramp up efforts against prison staff misconduct.
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Idaho lawmakers move to close gap in prison sex abuse law
Spurred by InvestigateWest reporting that exposed sexual abuse by Idaho women’s prison staff, lawmakers are advancing legislation meant to close a gap in state law that makes it difficult to hold correctional officers accountable.
·United States
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Idaho lawmakers move to expand ‘sexual contact’ definition to hold prison staff accountable
Editor’s note: The article discusses sexual assault. “Guarded by Predators” is a new investigative series obtained through partnership with InvestigateWest, exposing rape and abuse by Idaho’s prison guards and the system that shields them. Find the entire series at investigatewest.org/guarded-by-predators. Originally Posted: March 4, 2026 by Whitney Bryen, InvestigateWest BOISE, Idaho — Spurred by InvestigateWest reporting that exposed sexual ab…
·Idaho Falls, United States
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution87% Center
Bias Distribution
- 87% of the sources are Center
87% Center
13%
C 87%
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