House approves bill allowing AG to seek court orders when cities do not address prolonged public camping
March 26, 2025 | 2025 House Legislative Sessions, 2025 Legislative Sessions, Idaho
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The Idaho House on March 25 passed Senate Bill 11 41, legislation intended to allow the attorney general to seek court relief when cities fail to address prolonged camping in public places.
What the bill does: Sponsors said the bill does not criminalize homelessness. It directs that where prolonged camping creates unsafe conditions and a city of 100,000 or more fails to act, the attorney general may seek injunctive relief or other court orders to require cleanup or action. Supporters said the measure applies only to larger cities and acts as a backstop when local authorities are not enforcing public-safety and health ordinances.
Debate highlights: Testimony read on the floor included a submitted statement from a Boise business owner and from the Boise Rescue Mission, which the sponsor said has capacity and is willing to assist people in need. Supporters emphasized public-safety, assaults and sanitation concerns. Opponents, including a representative from District 31 and a representative from District 34, called the bill vague and overly broad, arguing it could push people farther from services, catch people living in vehicles, and impose a “$10,000 sword of Damocles” on local enforcement decisions.
Key points and clarifications: Critics pointed to the bill’s language about “prolonged period of time” and the definition of items that can trigger enforcement (bedding, cooking appliances, heat sources), arguing the terms could unintentionally cover people living temporarily in vans or vehicles. Supporters countered that the legislation is a limited remedy targeted at a subset of cities and aims to get local authorities acting when public places become unsafe.
Vote and next steps: The House approved the measure 59 ayes, 10 nays, 1 absent/excused. The bill passed the House as amended and will be transmitted back to the Senate.
Outlook: Supporters said the bill provides tools for cities struggling with visible encampments that raise safety and sanitation concerns; opponents said the underlying causes — housing affordability, domestic violence and eviction — must be addressed with services and housing solutions rather than expanded legal backstops.
What the bill does: Sponsors said the bill does not criminalize homelessness. It directs that where prolonged camping creates unsafe conditions and a city of 100,000 or more fails to act, the attorney general may seek injunctive relief or other court orders to require cleanup or action. Supporters said the measure applies only to larger cities and acts as a backstop when local authorities are not enforcing public-safety and health ordinances.
Debate highlights: Testimony read on the floor included a submitted statement from a Boise business owner and from the Boise Rescue Mission, which the sponsor said has capacity and is willing to assist people in need. Supporters emphasized public-safety, assaults and sanitation concerns. Opponents, including a representative from District 31 and a representative from District 34, called the bill vague and overly broad, arguing it could push people farther from services, catch people living in vehicles, and impose a “$10,000 sword of Damocles” on local enforcement decisions.
Key points and clarifications: Critics pointed to the bill’s language about “prolonged period of time” and the definition of items that can trigger enforcement (bedding, cooking appliances, heat sources), arguing the terms could unintentionally cover people living temporarily in vans or vehicles. Supporters countered that the legislation is a limited remedy targeted at a subset of cities and aims to get local authorities acting when public places become unsafe.
Vote and next steps: The House approved the measure 59 ayes, 10 nays, 1 absent/excused. The bill passed the House as amended and will be transmitted back to the Senate.
Outlook: Supporters said the bill provides tools for cities struggling with visible encampments that raise safety and sanitation concerns; opponents said the underlying causes — housing affordability, domestic violence and eviction — must be addressed with services and housing solutions rather than expanded legal backstops.
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