Amends existing law to limit the time during which a temporary guardianship may be extended, to provide that a court must take certain action prior to the end of the extension period, and to provide that no temporary guardianship may last longer than 12 months.

This bill adds clarity to ensure that a temporary guardianship remains temporary and cannot be extended or continued indefinitely to constitute de facto termination of parental rights. Temporary guardianships are intended to only be granted for six months but the current statute may be subject to vague interpretation. This bill directs the courts to follow the six month statutory direction but does allow for a temporary guardianship to be continued once for an additional six months, but in no case for more than twelve months, if the court finds good cause for such extension. While these cases are rare, if there are any such cases in Idaho, this bill also includes an emergency clause to ensure any such cases are resolved immediately to ensure adherence to the statutory intent.