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.
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
Rep · HD-015A
Sen · SD-014
Rep · HD-016A
Sen · SD-017
Rep · HD-016B
Sen · SD-001
Rep · HD-017B
Rep · HD-018A
BILL INFO
- Session
- 2026
- Chamber
- senate
- Status date
- Feb 10, 2026