Idaho Capitol Watch
SB 1271: RATS – Adds to existing law to declare certain rats a public health and safety nuisance and to require abatement.
SB1271 would declare Norway and roof rats as a public health and safety nuisance, invasive species, agricultural pest, and vermin. It directs the Idaho Department of Agriculture to coordinate with local entities on assessment, reporting, public education, and abatement planning using only existing resources and authority. The bill passed the Senate but failed its third reading in the House on a 32-38 vote on March 17, 2026 and is now dead.
Status
Failed Third Reading (House) (March 17, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho Senate · Introduced February 10, 2026
Sponsors
- AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JR for Printing
Bill history
- February 26, 2026 — Senate: Read first time as amended, filed for Second Reading (amended)
- February 27, 2026 — Senate: Read second time as amended, filed for Third reading (amended)
- March 5, 2026 — Senate: Read third time in full as amended – PASSED - 28-3-4AYES – Adams, Anthon, Bernt, Bjerke(Bjerke), Blaylock, Burtenshaw, Carlson, Cook, Foreman, Galloway, Grow, Guthrie, Harris, Hart, Keyser, Lakey, Len (amended)
- March 6, 2026 — House: Received from the Senate, Filed for First Reading
- March 6, 2026 — House: Read First Time, Referred to Agricultural Affairs
- March 11, 2026 — House: Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading (do_pass)
- March 12, 2026 — House: Read second time; Filed for Third Reading
- March 17, 2026 — House: Read Third Time in Full – FAILED - 32-38-0AYES – Berch, Bingham, Cheatum, Church, Cornilles, Egbert, Fuhriman, Furniss, Galaviz, Gannon, Green, Hall(Stone), Handy, Haws, Healey, Manwaring, Mathias, Mc (failed)
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