Idaho Capitol Watch
SB 1241: ANIMALS – Adds to existing law to provide for the protection of working animals.
This legislation adds a new section to Idaho law (25-3514B) to protect working animals used in commerce and service. The law guarantees the right to use these animals and bars local governments and state agencies from passing more restrictive rules that could ban or burden working animal enterprises. It provides a broad definition of working animals covering farming, entertainment, ranching, and other traditional activities but excludes cockfighting and dogfighting. The bill was amended during the process and took effect on July 1, 2026 with no fiscal impact to the state.
Status
Effective (July 1, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho Senate · Introduced January 29, 2026
Sponsors
- AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JR for Printing
Bill history
- March 18, 2026 — House: Rules Suspended: Ayes 66 Nays 0 Abs/Excd 4, read in full as required – PASSED - 67-0-3AYES – Alfieri, Barbieri, Beiswenger, Berch, Bingham, Boyle, Bruce, Burgoyne, Cannon, Cayler, Cheatum, Church, Cor (passed)
- March 19, 2026 — Senate: Reported enrolled; signed by President; to House for signature of Speaker
- March 20, 2026 — House: Received from Senate; Signed by Speaker; Returned to Senate
- March 23, 2026 — House: Reported signed by the Speaker & ordered delivered to Governor
- March 23, 2026 — House: delivered to Governor at 1:22 p.m. on 03/23/26
- March 23, 2026 — House: Signed by Governor on 03/23/26
- March 23, 2026 — House: Session Law Chapter 105
- July 1, 2026 — House: Effective: 07/01/2026
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