Idaho Legislature: Ask Legislators to VOTE MAYBE on S1141 - Public camping ban, statewide (please amend) (posted 03/06/25, updated 03/14/25)

• Bill: legislature.idaho.gov/s…

• Contact Legislators (linked below):

(Check the linked page or use My Bill Tracker for the bill’s current status.)

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S1141 is important to prevent Idaho from turning into our CA, WA, and OR neighbors to the left, where public camping and homeless encampments have spread disease, increased crime, and threatened the quality of life for all.

The bill bans unauthorized public camping or sleeping on public property in Idaho and prohibits political subdivisions from allowing it. It provides sensible exceptions for designated recreational areas and certain state lands.

Bill was significantly amended in committee – not for the better. Should not be restricted by population, as small cities can be destroyed by public camping.

Details:

• Establishes a statewide ban on public camping or sleeping in certain jurisdictions, specifically targeting cities with populations of 100,000 or more.

• Defines "public camping or sleeping" as residing in a temporary outdoor habitation, which can include using tents, vehicles, or recreational vehicles as living spaces, and may be evidenced by the presence of bedding, cooking equipment, or personal belongings.

• Cities and single countywide highway districts are prohibited from authorizing public camping on public property, including roads, rights-of-way, and building grounds.

• Provides exceptions for recreational or educational camping, specific authorized events, and overnight parking at rest areas or private businesses.

• Attorney General can bring civil actions against jurisdictions that violate the law, with potential penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and the ability to recover legal expenses.

• Commercial vehicle drivers are exempt.

• Law does not apply to endowment lands, parks and recreation, or fish and game lands.

Details:

• Establishes a statewide ban on unauthorized public camping or sleeping in Idaho, prohibiting political subdivisions from permitting individuals to camp or sleep on public property, including roads, rights-of-way, and building grounds.

• Defines "public camping or sleeping" as:

  • Unauthorized lodging or residing in a temporary outdoor habitation used as a dwelling, lodging, or living space. Includes a tent or other temporary shelter, including a motor vehicle or a recreational vehicle, and may include the presence of bedding, pillows, cooking appliances, heat sources, or storage of personal belongings.

  • Includes sitting, lying, or sleeping on a public walkway creating any hindrance, obstacle, or barrier that interferes with use of a public walkway.

• Does not restrict recreational camping in designated areas and overnight parking at rest areas or private businesses.

• Political subdivisions cannot create policies that enable such unauthorized camping. Any person or business adversely affected by a violation can seek injunctive relief and damages, with the potential to recover legal costs.

• Attorney general can bring civil actions against political subdivisions that violate the provision, with the ability to recover legal expenses.