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Senate committee advances bill limiting unauthorized public camping to cities above 100,000 population
Summary
Senator Galloway’s S 1141, which proposes a ban on unauthorized public camping in cities with populations over 100,000 and clarifies several definitions, was sent to the 14th Order of Business for possible amendment after testimony both opposing and supporting the measure.
The Senate State Affairs Committee moved S 1141, a bill that would ban unauthorized public camping in Idaho cities with populations above 100,000, to the 14th Order of Business for possible amendment after extensive testimony from municipal officials, law enforcement, housing advocates and nonprofit service providers.
Senator Galloway, presenting the bill, said the draft clarified the definition of "unauthorized public camping," protected authorized camping, established timeline language for travelers resting during a trip, removed a private cause of action, and limited the proposal’s scope to cities with populations above 100,000. She asked that the bill be sent to the 14th Order of Business for possible amendment to finalize language.
City of Boise officials and providers urged caution. Kathy Griesmyer, Boise’s director of policy and government affairs, said the city’s existing ordinance and recent court rulings required careful drafting to avoid municipal liability and to ensure enforcement would not occur when shelter space was unavailable. Chief Chris Dennison, Boise’s police chief, said existing local enforcement and behavioral health response teams address many problems and warned the bill could divert police resources and remove flexibility from officers.
Housing and shelter providers including Deanna Watson of the Boise City and Ada County Housing Authorities and Jodi Peterson-Stigers of Interfaith Homeless Sanctuary urged the Legislature to prioritize funding for affordable housing and short-term shelter capacity, noting shelters routinely operate at or over capacity. Supporters, such as Bill Roscoe of the Boise Rescue Mission and advocates who proposed narrower language for traveler safety, argued the bill would protect unsheltered individuals from harms related to exposure and violence.
Senator Anthon moved and Senator Toews seconded sending S 1141 to the 14th Order of Business for possible amendment. The motion carried by voice vote; Senator Ruchti requested to be recorded as voting nay.
Committee discussion and testimony highlighted competing approaches: some speakers urged criminalization or clearer enforcement mechanisms to address public camping, while others argued the Legislature should instead fund housing and services and craft language that complies with relevant court precedent and avoids penalizing people without shelter.
