Expanding Indecent Exposure Laws: 2025 Idaho House Bill 270
House Bill 270 represents an expansion of Idaho's indecent exposure laws, broadening the definition beyond merely exposing genitals to include exposure of female breasts, artificially created breasts, hormonally altered male breasts, and displays of toys resembling genitalia. The legislation has passed the House with strong support (59-8-3) and is currently under consideration in the Senate. This bill reflects biblical principles of modesty and protecting community standards while adjusting penalties to account for the expanded scope of prohibited behaviors.
The Bill's Purpose
House Bill 270 seeks to strengthen Idaho's public decency standards by significantly expanding what constitutes indecent exposure under state law. The current statute focuses narrowly on the exposure of genitals in public or in the presence of others who are offended by such displays.
This bill aims to address what lawmakers see as gaps in the existing regulations that may allow certain public displays that many Idahoans find objectionable or inappropriate, particularly in spaces where children might be present. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of modesty and protecting the innocence of children, as Jesus warned in Matthew 18:6 about causing "little ones to stumble." This legislation appears motivated by similar concerns about maintaining appropriate boundaries in shared public spaces.
The bill responds to modern LGBTQ events where various forms of nudity or simulated nudity might be displayed at public events. By expanding definitions and adjusting penalties, the legislation attempts to balance enforcement with appropriate consequences while providing clearer guidelines about what is permissible in Idaho's public spaces.
The Core Provisions
House Bill 270 would amend Section 18-4116 of the Idaho Code to revise the laws regarding indecent exposure. The key changes include:
Expanded Definition of Indecent Exposure
The bill broadens the legal definition of indecent exposure to include:
Exposure of the areola and nipple of developed female breasts.
Exposure of adult male breasts that have been medically or hormonally altered to resemble female breasts.
Display of artificial breasts intended to resemble female breasts.
Display of toys or products intended to resemble male or female genitals.
Criminalization of Assisting Indecent Exposure
It becomes a criminal offense to "procure, counsel, or assist" another person in committing indecent exposure as defined under the new provisions.
This provision targets individuals who encourage or facilitate such displays, even if they do not personally engage in the prohibited behavior.
Adjustment of Penalty Structure for Repeat Offenses
The bill modifies the penalty structure for repeated offenses within a five-year period.
Currently, a second offense within five years is classified as a felony.
Under the bill, the felony enhancement would apply to a third or subsequent offense within five years, while a second offense would remain a misdemeanor.
These provisions collectively aim to strengthen Idaho's public decency laws while maintaining proportional justice in the penalty structure for violations.
Current Status and Sponsors
Sponsors: The bill was introduced by the State Affairs Committee. While specific individual sponsors aren't identified in the available information, the committee introduction suggests broader institutional support rather than an initiative from a single legislator.
Committee: After introduction, the bill was referred to the House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee, which subsequently reported it out with a "Do Pass Recommendation". Following House passage, it was received by the Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee1.
Current Status: As of March 3, 2025, House Bill 270 has successfully passed the Idaho House of Representatives with a vote of 59-8-3 (59 in favor, 8 against, 3 absent)1. The strong margin of passage indicates significant support among House members. The bill has been transmitted to the Senate, where it has been introduced, read for the first time, and referred to the Judiciary & Rules Committee1. The legislation now awaits committee consideration and potential amendments before possibly advancing to the Senate floor for a full vote.
