Senate panel advances public‑camping ban for large Idaho cities to 14th order amid split testimony

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send Senate Bill 1141 to the 14th order for possible amendment after a lengthy hearing featuring local officials, nonprofit shelter operators, advocacy groups and residents.

Sponsor Cody Galloway told the committee the bill would make public camping or sleeping unlawful in specified public places and limit the statute to cities with populations greater than 100,000. He said the proposed statute includes enumerated exceptions (authorized events, private property, short public‑resting while driving) and an enforcement mechanism that allows the attorney general to seek injunctive relief when a city is ‘‘knowingly’’ failing to comply.

The chief policy and legal objection at the hearing came from Boise officials. Cathy Grismeyer, director of policy and government affairs for the City of Boise, said the city already maintains a camping ordinance and warned SB 1141 ‘‘creates a very large legal liability for local governments’’ because of existing court precedent and settlement language stemming from Martin v. Boise; she noted Boise’s ordinance includes terms that limit enforcement when shelter space is not available under that settlement.

Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison urged caution, saying the bill could ‘‘force us to remove officer discretion’’ and divert limited policing resources away from other public‑safety priorities. Deanna Watson, executive director of the Boise City and Ada County Housing Authorities, and other housing advocates said the bill does not address the underlying shortage of affordable housing and cautioned against criminalizing people without shelter.

Business owners and some nonprofit providers voiced support for the sponsor’s amendments. Bill Roscoe, president and CEO of the Boise Rescue Mission, said shelter options in the valley can accommodate many who are unsheltered and argued the measure could improve safety for people sleeping outside. Several business owners described instances of sanitation, property damage and threats to staff and customers in areas with persistent encampments.

After the public record and sponsor responses, Senator Anton moved to send SB 1141 to the 14th order for possible amendment; the motion carried by voice vote. Committee members asked the sponsor to work with cities and stakeholders on clarifying the definition of ‘‘unauthorized’’ and the narrow circumstances under which the attorney general would bring enforcement actions.

The committee did not take a final vote on an amended text; SB 1141 will return to the committee reference (14th order) where amendments may be drafted and considered.