CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — Two new laws aimed at expanding protections for Idaho children were signed Wednesday morning at the Statehouse, a milestone for families who have turned heartbreak into advocacy.

Back in January, adoptive mother Monique Peyre came to Idaho News 6 heartbroken after a 12-day-old baby boy, Benji, died in Nampa. Peyre, who had previously adopted Benji’s siblings, became a driving force behind legislation designed to better protect vulnerable children across the state.

RELATED | ‘Please put eyes on this baby’: Adoptive and foster mothers’ warnings before Nampa baby’s death

On Wednesday, Governor Brad Little signed Isaiah’s Law and the Foster Child Safety Act into law. Peyre’s advocacy was central to both bills, which aim to strengthen child welfare protections and provide clearer guidance to courts and caseworkers.

“It feels very, very surreal to get to this day just because I adopted them [Benji’s siblings] about a year ago, April 3rd, and I just never thought it would happen this quickly,” Peyre said.

Isaiah’s Law, or Senate Bill 1257, inspired by Peyre’s adopted son, Isaiah, strengthens protections for foster children during parental visitations.

“Today’s bills reflect a continued commitment to strengthening the system from multiple angles, protecting children and clearly defining their rights,” Governor Little said.

WATCH: Families come together for child protection law signings

Governor Brad Little signs Isaiah’s Law, expanding child protections in Idaho

For Peyre, seeing the bill signed was a way to turn personal tragedy into hope for others.

“It makes their pain and what they went through and the hardship of all of it worth something,” she said. “It kind of brings closure to their story.”

For Isaiah, the day brought a sense of comfort and security. “I feel… comfortable and safe,” Isaiah said.

Peyre also emphasized the importance of persistence in advocacy, encouraging others to take action.

RELATED | Nampa remembers Benji as legislation protecting vulnerable children advances

“I wanna say like the biggest thing was just to start emailing and reaching out to people, and you never know. It really does go a long way,” she said.

The Foster Child Safety Act also received the governor’s signature today. This bill updates Idaho’s child welfare policies, giving caseworkers and courts clearer guidance to keep children safe and ensure their well-being remains the top priority.

The last bill in Peyre’s legislative push, Benji’s Law (House Bill 776), is still awaiting a hearing in the Senate. The legislation aims to ensure quicker responses from authorities and remove judgment calls that could delay child safety interventions.

“All we’re asking for is a quicker response and no judgment call—just look and see if those are the guidelines that this baby falls under and go check on that baby sooner rather than later,” Peyre said.

For Isaiah, the moment was an accomplishment, but he hopes for a day when he can meet his baby brother Benji in heaven.

“I really want to achieve… a day that I get to see… seeing my little, I mean my baby brother that is… is in heaven,” Isaiah said.

RELATED | Idaho lawmakers advance bill requiring faster checks on at-risk babies

Benji’s Law is still making its way through the Statehouse, but supporters are hopeful it will also be signed into law by the end of the session.

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Local health authorities in Idaho, particularly those in Eastern and Southeastern Idaho, are reaching out to the public about an increase in HIV cases. The increase which is being called more of a ‘surge’, by local health officials, is cause for concern in Idaho and is serving as a stark reminder to be in touch — and proactive — with your health.

Numbers of cases are outpacing not only last year–but the last FIVE years.

In the first three months of 2026, there have been seven new cases and diagnosis of HIV. That is how many the area has seen in a year over the past five years.

Contracting these diseases is no joke–and safety is key. Idahoans are urged to practice safe sex not just amid the uptick–but all of the time. Officials also encourage frequent testing as needed, following sexual activity with new partners.

Reaching out to the public is the Eastern Idaho Public Health Department, which serves Bonneville, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton Counties.

According to the World Health Organization–there are signs and symptoms of HIV, but they vary depending on the stage of infection.

HIV spreads more easily  after a person is infected. In the first few weeks after being infected there is a chance that some may not experience symptoms at all. Others may have an flu-like illness including:

• fever
• headache
• rash
• sore throat.

As the immune system is progressively weakened, other signs and symptoms include:

• swollen lymph nodes
• weight loss
• fever
• diarrhea
• cough.

And finally, if one is to go without treatment, those living with HIV infection can also develop severe illnesses:

• tuberculosis (TB)
• cryptococcal meningitis
• severe bacterial infections
• cancers such as lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Not to scare anyone–but these infections are serious.

Learn more, HERE.

MINIDOKA COUNTY, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Idaho Transportation Department says a major crash has blocked all eastbound lanes of a busy highway in Minidoka County.

The crash has blocked the eastbound lanes of Idaho Route 24 at milepost 2 in between Rupert and Exit 211, according to ITD.

The department advised drivers to expect delays and exercise caution.

This is a developing story; KMVT will provide further updates as they come in.

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