Idaho Children Are Primary Inc (ICAP), is a non-profit, non-partisan organization led by a group of child-care experts with the common goal of advocating for the well-being of children and families in the state of Idaho.

During this legislative session we scored bills relating to kids and families for our Kids Matter Index (KMI). We have published a scorecard for each legislator.  This index evaluates bills by asking the question: “Is this good for Idaho kids?”

 
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Legislative Session

• Declining top performers: Only 15% of legislators earned an “A” or “B,” continuing a downward trend from 40% just three years ago.
• Increase in middle-range scores: 25% of legislators received a “C,” suggesting more mixed or inconsistent approaches to policies impacting children and families.
• Majority are in low-range scores: 60% of legislators received a “D” or “F,” indicating ongoing challenges in advancing strong, child-focused outcomes.
• Balancing rights remains complex: This session highlighted ongoing tension between parental authority and children’s rights to safety, health, and well-being, particularly in areas like healthcare and education.

Session Overview

The 2026 legislative session offers a snapshot of how policies affecting children and families were considered and advanced. The data reflects a mix of progress and ongoing challenges.

Overall, the results suggest less consistency in how child well-being is prioritized, with more lawmakers falling into the middle range and a continued majority receiving lower scores. While there has been slight improvement at the lower end, the overall distribution points to variability rather than a clear, unified approach.

A defining theme of the session was the growing emphasis on parental rights. While parents (do and should) play a central role in their children’s lives, several policies raised important questions about how children’s rights are considered, especially when it comes to safety, health, and access to appropriate care.

This tension was most evident in discussions where professional expertise, youth well-being, and family decision-making intersected. The challenge moving forward is not choosing one over the other, but ensuring policies are carefully designed to support families while also safeguarding the needs and protection of children. That balance is complex and requires thoughtful, evidence-informed decision-making.

There are also positive signs. Every bill supported by ICAP that was included on the score card ultimately passed and was signed into law. This reflects coordinated advocacy efforts, collaboration among organizations, and a focused understanding of what policies were most likely to succeed.

Even so, the broader picture remains mixed. While meaningful progress was made in some areas, other policies raised concerns, and consistent prioritization of children and families was not always evident.

One key takeaway from the 2026 session is that progress is achievable, but it requires sustained focus, collaboration, and careful attention to outcomes for children and families.

• After reviewing the Kids Matter Index (KMI) for your legislators, here are some questions you can ask your Legislator/Candidates:
• What does “putting children first” mean in your voting record and policy priorities?
• How do you define the state’s responsibility to children versus the role of families and communities?
• What is your position on funding for public schools, especially in rural and under-resourced districts?
• What policies will you support to improve access to pediatric and adolescent mental health care?
• How do you plan to address shortages in healthcare providers for children, particularly in rural Idaho?
• How will you ensure that laws intended to protect children do not unintentionally harm them?
• What policies will you support to reduce child poverty in Idaho?
• How do you plan to support working families with the cost of childcare, housing, and basic needs?
• Do you support expanding access to early childhood education or childcare assistance?
• How will you ensure your positions remain consistent, even when it’s politically difficult?
• What would you do differently next session to improve outcomes for kids and families?
• How do you work across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation for children?
• “If we graded your record on children and families, what grade would you give yourself—and why?”

Primary season is upon us and don’t sit on the sidelines. Ask your candidates the hard questions. Look beyond campaign slogans and take the time to understand their records, their votes, and their priorities. Do your research, stay engaged, and make your voice heard.

The future of children and families in Idaho depends on informed voters—so study up, show up, speak up, and vote.

John Rusche, MD, Former Idaho Legislator, retired Pediatrician, Lewiston
Chris Loucks, PhD, Professor Emerita, Department of Economics, Boise State University
Julie Yamamoto, Former State Legislator, Educator, Caldwell