Bill > H0195

This bill amends Idaho law to establish new requirements and procedures for the transplant or relocation of wildlife by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Specifically, the bill mandates that before undertaking any wildlife transplant or relocation (with exceptions for predatory wildlife), the department must provide at least 30 days' notice to county commissioners and affected land permittees or landowners. If any affected individual or entity expresses written concern within 10 days of notification, the board of county commissioners must conduct a hearing within 30 days and then vote to approve, modify, or reject the proposed transplant or relocation. The board's vote will be final and binding on the department's director. The bill also requires that a written agreement be created acknowledging potential risks to existing livestock operations. Additionally, the bill expands testing requirements for certain wildlife, mandating that deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, bison, and wolves imported, transported, or used for tracking must be tested for communicable diseases that could potentially be transmitted to domestic livestock. These tests will be determined through mutual agreement between the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Agriculture. The bill aims to provide more local oversight and transparency in wildlife management decisions while ensuring disease monitoring and prevention.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Resources and Conservation Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0195/