Idaho Capitol Watch
HB 389: UNCONTROLLED FIRES – Amends and adds to existing law to provide that a fire burning out of control on federal land in Idaho is a nuisance and cost recovery actions related to such fires are subject to a statute of limitations after ten years, and to allow the governor to direct state resources to suppress fires on federal land.
Declares uncontrolled forest/range fires a public nuisance regardless of land ownership. Limits civil damages for negligent fires to suppression costs, economic damages, and fair market value diminution or reasonable restoration. Establishes 10-year statute of limitations. Authorizes governor to deploy state resources (including deficiency warrants) for emergency fire suppression on federal lands threatening Idaho, with cost recovery via Attorney General.
Status
Signed by Governor (April 4, 2025) · Originated in the Idaho House · Introduced March 10, 2025
Sponsors
- STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JRA for Printing
Bill history
- March 27, 2025 — Senate: Read second time; filed for Third Reading
- April 1, 2025 — Senate: Read third time in full – PASSED - 32-1-2AYES – Adams, Anthon, Bernt, Bjerke, Blaylock, Carlson, Coho(Lenney), Cook, Den Hartog, Foreman, Galloway, Grow, Guthrie, Harris, Hart, Keyser, Kohl, Lakey, Le (passed)
- April 1, 2025 — House: Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
- April 2, 2025 — Senate: Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker
- April 2, 2025 — Senate: Signed by President; returned to House
- April 2, 2025 — Senate: Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
- April 3, 2025 — Senate: Delivered to Governor at 4:20 p.m. on April 2, 2025
- April 4, 2025 — Senate: Reported Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025 Session Law Chapter 277 Effective: 04/03/2025
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