Bill > H0389

This bill amends Idaho law to address uncontrolled fires, particularly on federal lands, by making two key changes: First, it expands the definition of an uncontrolled fire as a public nuisance to explicitly include fires on any land within Idaho, and establishes a ten-year statute of limitations for civil actions related to fire damage, meaning legal claims must be filed within a decade of the fire's occurrence. Second, the bill grants the governor additional emergency powers to direct state resources to suppress fires on federal land when an emergency is declared, allowing the state to use its own resources to fight fires that threaten Idaho citizens or property, with the ability to issue deficiency warrants (special financial authorizations) to cover fire suppression costs. The bill aims to provide more flexibility and clarity in managing wildfire response, ensuring that the state can quickly and effectively address potentially destructive fires, regardless of land ownership, while also setting clear legal boundaries for future fire-related legal actions. The legislation declares an emergency, meaning it goes into effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0389/