TallyIDAHOLegislative Tracker
S12712026 Regular Session

Adds to existing law to declare certain rats a public health and safety nuisance and to require abatement.

RATS -- Adds to existing law to declare certain rats a public health and safety nuisance and to require abatement.

RATS

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

ThepurposeofthislegislationistoaddressthegrowingpresenceofinvasiveNorwayratsandroofratsinIdaho, which pose risks to public health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Idaho has not historically had established populations of these rats, and early, coordinated action is necessary to prevent permanent establishment and increased long-term costs. This legislation declares these rats to be public nuisances and aligns their treatment across existing Idaho laws governing invasive species, agricultural pests, and public health pests. It designates the Idaho Department of Agriculture as the coordinating agency to work with state and local partners using existing authority and resources, without creating new programs or requiring new funding.

LATEST ACTION

Amendments ordered printed; referred for engrossment

SPONSORS

R
Tammy Nichols

Sen · SD-010

Primary
D
Steve Berch

Rep · HD-015A

R
Scott Grow

Sen · SD-014

D
Sonia Galaviz

Rep · HD-016A

D
Carrie Semmelroth

Sen · SD-017

D
Anne Haws

Rep · HD-016B

R
Jim Woodward

Sen · SD-001

D
Megan Egbert

Rep · HD-017B

D
Ilana Rubel

Rep · HD-018A

BILL INFO

Session
2026
Chamber
senate
Status date
Feb 10, 2026

LINKS

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