Idaho Senate Passes Bill to Crack Down on Prison Abuse

0:00Idaho Synage has passed the bill to crack down on prison staff sexually of using inmates. House Bill 696 would expand the definition of abuse, making it a felony for any intentional physical contact, meant to arouse or gratify. Sexual desires. It passed with 34 votes in favor and now heads to Governor Brad Little for final approval. The bill comes after reports reveal 37 prison workers accused of misconduct against female inmates over the past decade, but only three. Faced criminal charges. Lawmakers say the old rules made prosecutions too tough, letting most offenders off the hook. Prison officials and prosecutors pointed to gaps in the current law, which only covers genital touching and ignores things like groping or kissing. Victims often can't prove lack of consent due to the power imbalance in custody. Supporters like Senator Tammy Nichols and the Department of Correction back the change, calling it a way to add real accountability. It aligns Idaho closer to federal prison rape elimination

1:00act standards that ban all inappropriate touching. With Idaho topping the nation and women's incarceration rates, this update could protect more inmates and ensure guards face stronger consequences if signed into law. This has been Canada News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story.