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Committee sends landlord-tenant code reorganization to print; sponsor removes archaic 'coverture' reference
Summary
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee voted to print RS31962, a reorganization of landlord-tenant provisions that the sponsor said moves commonly used provisions higher in the code and removes an archaic reference to 'coverture.' The RS was printed for a merits hearing.
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee voted to send RS31962 to print. Sponsor Sally Rabe told the committee the measure reorganizes Idaho’s landlord‑tenant statutes so people can find commonly used provisions more easily and removes an antiquated reference to “coverture.”
"There was a time when women were treated as property under Idaho code... Coverture held that no female had a legal identity," Rabe said, explaining the draft removes the single remaining reference she found after reviewing Idaho code with legislative library staff. "I think it's high time we clean that up, get that out of there."
Rabe said the RS does not make substantive changes except moving material into clearer sections and consolidating rules that govern lifetime leases and local-government limitations. She described the RS as a housekeeping measure and asked members to print it so the public can review the rearranged text.
Senator Lenny asked where a section on rent-control limitations had been moved; the sponsor explained the language was relocated to a new, standalone section to improve clarity. Senators debated constituent email campaigns and agreed that printing an RS allows a full merits hearing where supporters and opponents can testify.
Senator Wintrow moved to send RS31962 to print; Senator Ricks seconded, and the motion carried on a voice vote. The printed RS will be placed on the merits calendar for public testimony and committee consideration.
