House committee holds bill that would limit HOA bans on backyard chickens

The House Agriculture Affairs Committee on a close 8‑7 roll call voted to hold Senate Bill 10 26 in committee after extended member questions and public testimony both for and against the proposal.

Representative Steve Tanner introduced the measure, saying it would stop homeowners associations from using deed restrictions or covenants to prohibit homeowners from keeping chickens on single‑family lots. "This bill only allows for the procurement and the farming of chickens," Tanner said, and the draft sets a baseline of "4 chickens for every 2 tenths of an acre," with a maximum computed by lot size and exemptions for agricultural zones and multifamily housing.

The measure prompted questions from committee members about public‑health impacts, local control and legal clarity. "Has there been any discussion with the state vet or others what this will do for being able to control the bird flu?" Representative Dygert asked. Tanner said he had not received such input and did not have documentation on that question.

Public testimony was…