Idaho legislators gave a preview of how they might want to change the state’s child custody and family law system Monday.

The Child Custody and Domestic Relations Task Force has been meeting for months, allowing Idahoans across the state to share stories about how family courts have affected them.

Several who testified said courts disfavored them because of their Christian background or conservative political beliefs.

Many decried the use of temporary custody orders that can last for months until a final agreement can be reached.

“I feel like we have legalized kidnapping. Justices may not want to hear that,” said Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls).

Ehardt said preserving parental rights is her top priority.

“When we legally take that right away when there’s nothing criminal that can be pointed to, I believe that is certainly a disservice by the justices, certainly a disservice by the legislative branch and, I would say, the executive branch also,” she said.

Legal costs rise significantly the longer these cases run.

Those who’ve testified before the task force said they’ve had to take out second jobs, mortgage their homes or sell other assets to cover bills totaling tens of thousands of dollars or more. That money, they said, goes toward paying attorneys, but also other experts for various evaluations.

Sen. Tammy Nichols (R-Middleton), who co-chairs the task force, said she wants to require the separated parents to share in the cost of court-ordered evaluations and experts if one is wealthier than the other.

“I think it does provide that equity so that people are on level playing fields,” Nichols said.

The group also generally agreed that police should enforce custody arrangements if they’re violated. That could require creating a secure database law enforcement could access with the most recent approved court agreement.

The full list of recommendations is expected to be submitted to lawmakers when they gavel into session in January.

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Skijor Boise will be one of the stops on a new professional skijoring tour. The action-packed event will happen at the Ford Idaho Center on Feb. 6th and 7th.

The Nampa event will be one of seven stops for the new Frontier Tour in the Rocky Mountain region, with another being in eastern Idaho in Driggs. Local competitors McKinley Keener and Caroline Potter look forward to competing.

WATCH: See skijoring in action and more from McKinley and Caroline

Pro Skijor debuts new tour and this extreme winter sport will stop in the Treasure Valley

“We are really excited to have a hometown race,” said Keener. “I think it was smart to bring a race to the Treasure Valley with the horse culture and the ski culture. I think it is a win-win idea.”

Skijoring is a unique sport that is gaining traction in the West. During the event, a horseback rider pulls a skier on a rope, and that skier has to navigate gates, jumps and grab rings. The horseback rider also has to grab a ring, depending on the venue.

RELATED | Extreme skijoring brings two different cultures together in the Wood River Valley

We first met McKinley and Caroline last winter during the Wood River Valley skijoring competition. They won the couple’s division and finished second and third in the novice division.

“We won this buckle and the vest I’m wearing at the Wood River race,” said Potter. “It’s a fantastic race, the people who put it on are wonderful. That race will always be special to McKinley and I because we met there.”

The couple met two years ago at the competition, and this past summer, they got engaged.

“I’ve been riding since I was in grade school, and he’s been skiing since he was really young,” said Potter. “We both let each other do our thing, and as a team we really do well.”

Their story showcases how unique skijoring is, bringing together both the equine and skiing communities.

“Skijoring is the craziest and funnest sport in my opinion,” said Keener. “I just love it, it is a rush. The people are fantastic, and it is like nothing else I have ever done,” said Potter.

This duo looks forward to competing in their own backyard, as it will allow friends and family to watch them in action. Skijor Boise will happen at the beginning of February, and the Wood River event will follow it in mid-February.

“We hope everyone can come out and watch,” said Potter. “It is a wonderful time, there is never a dull moment at a skijor race. I highly recommend it to come out and maybe even try it.”

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