The SOMB was formed by legislative action in 2011 to develop, advance and oversee statewide sexual offender management policies and practices. Statutory authority lies within Sections 18-8312 and 18-8314 Idaho Code.

This independent 11-member policy board is administratively based within the Idaho Department of Correction, but functions separately from IDOC. Ten members serve by Gubernatorial appointment and a Judicial representative is appointed by the Judiciary. The board is charged with setting standards for adult and juvenile psychosexual evaluations and sexual offender treatment programs; certifying professionals who conduct pre-sentence psychosexual evaluations, sexual offender treatment, and post-conviction sexual offender polygraphs that are ordered by the court, IDOC or Commission for Pardons and Parole; providing quality assurance of standards and qualifications; and establishing protocols for sexual offender management and classification.

Any displayed, physical, or unlawful solicitation for sexual conduct with a person who is unwilling or unable to give legal consent is an act of sexual violence.