Idaho Lawmakers Push Last-Ditch Effort to Control Rat Population

Bipartisan measure aims to empower local governments to address growing pest problem.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:49pm

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Idaho lawmakers are making a last-ditch effort to address the state's growing rat population problem. After previous measures stalled, a new bipartisan bill would declare Norway, roof, and other wild rats as invasive species and allow, but not require, local governments to take action to control the pests.

Why it matters

Rats have been spreading rapidly across Idaho's Treasure Valley, raising concerns about public health and infrastructure damage. However, the state legislature has been reluctant to take on the issue, leading local officials to call for more authority to address the problem themselves.

The details

The new bill, Senate Bill 1445, is being pushed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Republican state Sen. Tammy Nichols and Democratic state Reps. John Gannon and Dori Healey. To appease budget-conscious conservatives, the measure does not mandate state involvement, instead simply empowering cities, counties, and other local jurisdictions to control the rat population if they choose to do so.

  • The Idaho Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee heard testimony on the rat problem on Tuesday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Tammy Nichols

A Republican state senator representing Middleton, Idaho, who has been warning about the growing rat problem in the state.

John Gannon

A Democratic state representative from Boise, Idaho, who is part of the bipartisan group pushing the new rat control measure.

Dori Healey

A Republican state representative from Boise, Idaho, who is part of the bipartisan group pushing the new rat control measure.

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What they’re saying

“Coming soon to a canal bank near you": rats.”

— Tammy Nichols, Republican state senator

What’s next

The new bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 1445, will now move forward in the Idaho Legislature for consideration.

The takeaway

The Idaho Legislature's reluctance to address the state's growing rat problem has led to a last-ditch bipartisan effort to empower local governments to take action. This highlights the ongoing challenges in finding solutions to complex environmental issues at the state level.