HB 781: County Commissioner Control to Include Insects as Agricultural Pests (2026)

Written By Alex Watt

Summary: Specifically lists rats, Norway rats and roof rats as animals that county commissioners can control, declaring them to be "agricultural pests." It also adds "plant disease-causing organisms" to the same list.

ICL’s Position: Neutral

Current Bill Status: House Resources and Conservation

Issue Areas: Wildlife, Public Lands

House Bill 781, was introduced by Rep. Chris Mathias (D-District 19) and Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-District 10B) in the House State Affairs Committee on 2/26. It would give authority to county commissioners to include rats, Norway rats, roof rats and various plants to be declared “agricultural pests.”

The legislation is likely a response to recent rat infestations in the Treasure Valley, although nothing added to existing language appears to give county commissioners new authorities.

Alex Watt
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