Idaho’s fight vs. rats stalled in the Legislature. What happened, what’s next
The Idaho Legislature’s 2026 session ended without passing any rat control legislation, leaving Treasure Valley communities without a clear legal path to address the growing problem. Local governments are now scrambling to figure out what they can do on their own — and whether they can afford it.
FULL STORY: Ada County’s rat problem slipped through the cracks at the Capitol. What’s next?
Here are key takeaways:
• What happened at the Capitol: Two rat control bills passed the Idaho Senate, but one was voted down in the House and the second never came up for a House vote. Rep. Steve Berch, D-Boise, co-wrote one of the Senate bills and introduced the first version on the House floor. He pointed to two significant reasons rat control failed: opposition from business groups, and not enough votes in support from Treasure Valley lawmakers.
• Why local governments say they’re stuck: Idaho follows Dillon’s Rule, meaning cities and counties can only do what the Legislature specifically authorizes. Rats aren’t mentioned in state law, so local governments don’t have inherent power to address them.
• Rats are a recent arrival: Early reports of invasive rats began in Eagle around 2022, and no state agency is tasked by law with controlling them.
• Funding is a major hurdle: Ada County Commissioner Ryan Davidson said the county might be able to fund rat control through a voter-approved abatement district, similar to the one for mosquito control, but he’s reluctant to raise taxes.
• Local talks are underway: Ada County Emergency Management is leading early-stage discussions with cities and Central District Health about forming an anti-rat coalition, though no concrete plans exist yet.
• A 2027 push is expected: Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, co-wrote both Senate bills. She said she’s confident a stripped-down bill authorizing counties to act against rats — without earmarking money — could pass next session.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.