Key Takeaways
• On July 1, 2025, a federal judge blocked Idaho’s House Bill 135 from restricting HIV treatment access.
• House Bill 135 requires proof of legal immigration status for public benefits, including HIV care.
• The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program remains accessible to immigrants regardless of immigration status.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Idaho’s new immigration law, House Bill 135, from restricting access to HIV treatment programs for immigrants. This decision, made on July 1, 2025, protects the federally funded Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program from new state rules that would have required people to prove their legal immigration status before getting life-saving HIV care. The ruling comes after a lawsuit by the ACLU of Idaho, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), and private law firms, who argued that Idaho’s law conflicts with federal protections for HIV patients.
This legal move means that, for now, immigrants in Idaho—regardless of their immigration status—can continue to receive HIV treatment through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. The case highlights a growing debate over how states handle immigration status checks for public health benefits and what happens when state laws clash with federal rules.
What Is House Bill 135 and Why Was It Passed?
House Bill 135, passed by the Idaho legislature in 2025, is an immigration-related law that requires people to prove they are legally in the United States 🇺🇸 before getting certain public benefits. The law covers a wide range of services, including:
- Communicable disease testing (like HIV tests)
- Vaccinations
- Prenatal and postnatal care
- Food assistance
- HIV treatment programs, including those funded by the federal government
Supporters of House Bill 135, such as Republican Senator Todd Lakey, say the law is needed to protect Idaho’s limited public resources. They argue that public funds should only go to people who are legally allowed to live in the United States 🇺🇸. According to these lawmakers, requiring immigration status checks helps make sure that benefits are used by eligible residents.
However, critics say the law goes too far, especially when it comes to health care. They warn that denying HIV treatment to immigrants could have serious consequences for both individuals and the wider community.
How Did the Law Affect HIV Treatment in Idaho?
One of the most controversial parts of House Bill 135 is its impact on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. This program is funded by the federal government and provides free or low-cost HIV treatment to people who cannot afford it, regardless of their immigration status. Under federal law, the Ryan White Program does not require proof of citizenship or legal residency.
Idaho’s new law, however, would have forced people to show proof of lawful presence in the United States 🇺🇸 before getting HIV treatment—even if the care was paid for by federal funds. The state’s Division of Public Health administrator, Elke Shaw-Tulloch, sent a letter on June 18, 2025, saying that HIV is a long-term condition, not an emergency. This meant that HIV treatment would not be considered emergency medical care and would not be exempt from the new immigration verification rules.
This change caused a lot of worry among patients, doctors, and advocates. Many feared that people living with HIV would lose access to the medicine they need to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus.
The Legal Challenge: Who Filed the Lawsuit and Why?
On June 26-27, 2025, the ACLU of Idaho, the National Immigration Law Center, and private law firms filed a lawsuit called Davids v. Adams. They asked the court for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop Idaho from enforcing House Bill 135, at least when it comes to HIV treatment.
The plaintiffs in the case include:
- A married couple from Colombia with pending asylum applications
- A man with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status
- A Mexican immigrant who has lived and worked in Idaho since 2020
These individuals all rely on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program for their HIV care. They argued that Idaho’s law would cut them off from life-saving medicine simply because of their immigration status.
The lawsuit made several key points:
- Federal law protects the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program from immigration status checks. The program was created to help all people living with HIV, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
- Idaho’s law conflicts with federal rules. By requiring proof of lawful presence, House Bill 135 would block people from getting care that federal law says they should receive.
- Denying HIV treatment is dangerous. Without medicine, people living with HIV can get very sick and may spread the virus to others.
The Federal Judge’s Decision: What Does the Temporary Injunction Mean?
A federal judge agreed with the plaintiffs and issued a temporary injunction. This means Idaho cannot enforce the immigration verification requirement for HIV treatment, at least for now. The judge’s order allows immigrants in Idaho to keep getting their HIV medicine through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, even if they cannot prove legal residency.
This decision is important for several reasons:
- It protects access to life-saving care. Many people living with HIV depend on the Ryan White Program for medicine that keeps them healthy and prevents the virus from spreading.
- It upholds federal law. The judge found that Idaho’s rules likely conflict with federal protections for HIV patients.
- It sets a precedent. Other states may look to this case when deciding how to handle immigration checks for federally funded health programs.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the court’s action highlights the ongoing tension between state efforts to limit public benefits for immigrants and federal laws designed to protect public health.
Real-Life Impact: What Does This Mean for Immigrants Living with HIV?
For people living with HIV in Idaho, the judge’s order is a lifeline. Without access to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, many would lose their only source of free or affordable HIV medicine. This could have devastating effects on their health and the health of their families.
One plaintiff in the lawsuit shared her story. She explained that her HIV medication reduced her viral load to undetectable levels. This means the virus cannot be passed to others, including her child during pregnancy. With treatment, she can live a normal life and keep her family safe. Without it, her health would quickly decline, and she could risk transmitting HIV to others.
The law’s requirement to prove lawful presence also created confusion and fear. Many immigrants are unsure what documents count as proof, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has not provided clear guidance. This uncertainty made it hard for patients and doctors to know what to do.
Why Is the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program So Important?
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is a federal program that helps people living with HIV get the care and medicine they need. It is named after Ryan White, a teenager who became a national symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness in the 1980s. The program serves more than half a million people in the United States 🇺🇸 every year.
Key features of the program include:
- No-cost or low-cost antiretroviral therapy: These medicines help control HIV, keep people healthy, and prevent the virus from spreading.
- No immigration status requirement: Federal law says that people do not have to prove they are citizens or legal residents to get care through the Ryan White Program.
- Focus on public health: By making sure everyone with HIV can get treatment, the program helps stop the spread of the virus in communities.
If states like Idaho are allowed to add immigration checks, many people could lose access to care, putting their lives and public health at risk.
For more information about the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and its federal protections, readers can visit the official Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program page.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Who Supports and Who Opposes the Law?
Supporters of House Bill 135
- Republican lawmakers: They argue that Idaho must protect its limited public resources and make sure benefits go only to eligible residents.
- Sen. Todd Lakey: A leading supporter, he says the law is about fairness and responsible use of taxpayer money.
Opponents of House Bill 135
- ACLU of Idaho and NILC: These groups say the law is medically dangerous and legally questionable. They argue that denying HIV treatment to immigrants violates federal law and puts public health at risk.
- Medical advocates: Doctors and public health experts warn that cutting off HIV care could lead to more infections and higher health costs in the long run.
- Immigrant communities: Many fear losing access to essential care and worry about the confusion caused by unclear rules.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which is supposed to carry out the law, has not given clear instructions on how to check immigration status. This lack of guidance has added to the confusion and legal challenges.
What Happens Next? The Future of the Lawsuit and Its Broader Impact
The legal fight over House Bill 135 is not over. The court has only issued a temporary order, which means the case is still ongoing. The judge will decide whether to extend the injunction or make it permanent. Idaho officials could also appeal the decision or try to change the law.
This case could have a big impact beyond Idaho. If the court rules that states cannot add immigration checks to federally funded health programs, it could stop other states from passing similar laws. On the other hand, if Idaho wins, more states might try to limit benefits for immigrants.
Advocates are closely watching the case and preparing for possible next steps, including more legal challenges and efforts to educate lawmakers about the importance of protecting public health.
What Should Affected Individuals Do Now?
If you or someone you know is living with HIV in Idaho and worried about access to care:
- Continue using the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. The federal judge’s order means you can still get treatment, even if you cannot prove legal residency.
- Stay informed. Follow updates from the ACLU of Idaho and the National Immigration Law Center, who are leading the legal fight and providing support.
- Contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for questions about your benefits, but be aware that guidance may still be unclear.
- Seek legal help if needed. Organizations like the ACLU and NILC can offer advice and support for immigrants facing health care barriers.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- ACLU of Idaho: https://www.acluidaho.org/
- National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/
- Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/
Conclusion: Balancing State Policy and Public Health
The temporary protection ordered by the federal judge ensures that, as of July 1, 2025, immigrants in Idaho can keep getting essential HIV treatment without having to prove their immigration status. This decision supports public health, follows federal law, and gives hope to people who depend on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
The case is a key example of the ongoing debate between state efforts to control public spending and the need to protect the health and rights of all residents, including immigrants. As the lawsuit continues, its outcome could shape how states across the United States 🇺🇸 handle similar issues in the future.
For now, the message is clear: access to life-saving HIV treatment remains protected in Idaho, thanks to the intervention of the federal judge and the efforts of advocates and legal experts. Those affected should stay informed, seek support, and know that their right to care is being defended in court.
Learn Today
House Bill 135 → A 2025 Idaho law requiring legal immigration status proof for public benefits access.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program → A federally funded program providing HIV treatment to all, regardless of immigration status.
Temporary Injunction → A legal order temporarily preventing enforcement of a law or policy.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) → A U.S. immigration status allowing certain undocumented youth temporary protection from deportation.
Legal Immigration Status → Official recognition as a lawful resident or immigrant in the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
A federal judge halted Idaho’s law requiring immigration checks for HIV treatment. This protects immigrant access to federally funded HIV care through the Ryan White Program, ensuring lifesaving medicine remains available despite state restrictions introduced by House Bill 135 in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
