IdahoIdaho local governments could control and remove certain wild rats
Idaho local governments could control and remove certain wild rats from public property and, with written permission, private property.
What it does
The proposal would classify Norway rats, roof rats, and other wild, uncontrolled rats as invasive species under Idaho law.
Idaho local governments could take reasonable steps to control and remove these rats on public property. They could do so on private property only with the legal owner's written permission.
Argument forLocal governments could remove wild rats from public property, which may help control their spread in shared spaces.
Argument againstBecause each local government could choose what steps are reasonable, rat control could vary across Idaho communities.
More detail
The proposal would classify certain rats as invasive species. It covers Norway rats, roof rats, and any wild, uncontrolled rat. If passed and approved, the act would take effect upon passage and approval.
Local governments could take reasonable steps to control and remove these rats. This applies to Idaho counties, cities, municipalities, and other political subdivisions. They could act on public property within their jurisdiction. On private property, the local government would need written permission from the legal owner. If passed and approved, the act would take effect upon passage and approval.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 1Read First Time, Referred to Agricultural AffairsLatest
- Vote recorded Rules Suspended (2/3 Vote Read in full as required) – Read third time in full –. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 1Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading
- Apr 1Rules Suspended (2/3 Vote - Read in full as required) – Read third time in full – PASSED - 31-2-2AYES – Adams, Anthon, Bernt, Bjerke(Bjerke), Blaylock, Burtenshaw, Carlson, Cook, Den Hartog, Galloway, Grow, Guthrie, Hart, Kohl, Lakey, Lenney, Lent, Nichols, Okuniewicz, Rabe, Ricks, Ruchti, Semmelroth, Shippy, Taylor, Toews, VanOrden, Ward-Engelking, Wintrow, Woodward, ZitoNAYS – Harris, ZuiderveldAbsent and excused – Foreman, KeyserFloor Sponsor - NicholsTitle apvd - to HousePassed 1st Chamber
- Apr 1Read second time; filed for Third ReadingMinor
- Mar 31Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second readingMinor
- Mar 30Reported Printed; referred to Agricultural Affairs
- Mar 27Introduced; read first time; referred to JR for PrintingIntroduced
- Apr 1Read First Time, Referred to Agricultural AffairsLatest
Environment & EnergyAgriculture