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Read. Follow. Verify.Idaho classifies Norway and roof rats as invasive species and authorizes local pest control
Last action · April 1, 2026: Read First Time, Referred to Agricultural Affairs
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What This Bill Would Do
Idaho declares Norway rats, roof rats, and other wild or uncontrolled rats as , empowering local governments to control and remove them. Local authorities may take steps on public property and on private property after securing written permission from the property owner. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage and approval due to a declared emergency.
Local cities and counties gain explicit legal authority to manage rat populations on public land and enter private property with owner consent for pest control. The declaration connects these specific rodent species to the state's framework.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
local governments
Counties, cities, and municipalities are empowered to take reasonable steps to control and remove invasive rats on public property and private property with permission.
property owners in Idaho
Private property owners must grant written permission before local government entities can conduct rat control and removal actions on their land.
Key Facts
- Norway rats, roof rats, and any wild and uncontrolled rat are officially declared to be invasive species pursuant to the invasive species act of 2008.
- Local governments, including counties, cities, municipalities, and political subdivisions, are empowered to take reasonable steps to control and remove these rats on public property.
- Local governments may control and remove these rats on private property only after obtaining written permission from the legal owner.
- An emergency is declared, putting the act into full force and effect on and after its passage and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of rats are classified as invasive species under this bill?
Can local governments remove rats from private property without permission?
When does this legislation take effect?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently passed both. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.
Procedural history
7 actions- Apr 1, 2026IntroducedRead First Time, Referred to Agricultural Affairs
- Apr 1, 2026Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading
- Apr 1, 2026FloorRules Suspended (2/3 Vote - Read in full as required) – Read third time in full – PASSED - 31-2-2 AYES – 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, Zito NAYS – Harris, Zuiderveld Absent and excused – Foreman, Keyser Floor Sponsor - Nichols Title apvd - to House
- Apr 1, 2026Read second time; filed for Third Reading
- Mar 31, 2026Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
- Mar 30, 2026CommitteeReported Printed; referred to Agricultural Affairs
Show 1 earlier action
- Mar 27, 2026IntroducedIntroduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.idaho.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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