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Senate passes bill preventing HOAs from banning backyard chickens, with limits for coop rules
Summary
Senate Bill 10‑26, nicknamed the “free the chicken” bill by its sponsor, passed the Idaho Senate after extended floor debate. The bill prevents homeowners associations from outright banning backyard chickens going forward while still allowing HOAs to impose reasonable coop placement, waste management and flock-size rules.
The Idaho Senate on Feb. 10 passed Senate Bill 10‑26, which prevents homeowners associations from imposing outright bans on backyard chickens going forward while allowing HOAs to adopt “reasonable regulations” on coop placement, flock size and related issues.
Sponsor Senator Nichols, who called it the “free the chicken bill,” said the measure protects food security, property rights and family self-reliance. “It simply prevents HOAs from banning backyard chickens outright,” Nichols said, adding that the bill does not override city or county regulations.
Supporters emphasized rising grocery costs and the accessibility of backyard hens to provide fresh eggs and…
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