Davids v. Adams

Update: On July 25, 2025, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction which blocks the Ryan White Program verification requirements from being implemented until litigation is resolved. With this ruling, all Idahoans who qualify or may qualify in the future for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program may continue accessing the program’s HIV treatment, regardless of immigration status.

Case Overview

House Bill 135 was passed during the 2025 legislative session to impose new immigrant verification requirements in programs that are not restricted under federal laws including access to  food pantries and soup kitchens, prenatal and postnatal care, vaccines and life-saving medications to treat communicable diseases such as HIV, and more. Prior to the new law, these benefits were available to Idaho residents without having to verify immigration status.

The lawsuit is asking for a temporary restraining order to stop this new state law ban on HIV medication for immigrants of any legal status. The state has informed the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to cease providing HIV medication to immigrants in need, without which they will suffer a variety of serious health issues, including, potentially, death.  

The plaintiffs are Dr. Abby Davids, a medical practitioner at Full Circle Health, and five anonymous plaintiffs who are HIV-positive immigrants. 

The lawsuit argues House Bill 135 attempts to subvert federal law, which allows access to certain federally funded public benefits programs, including the Ryan White HIV AIDS Program, without regard to citizenship or immigration status.