Bill > S1287

This bill amends existing Idaho law concerning highways and public rights-of-way, which are essentially public paths or areas designated for travel. It revises how these highways and rights-of-way are officially designated, abandoned, vacated (meaning officially closed or discontinued), and validated (meaning officially confirmed as public). Key changes include requiring public hearings and recorded documentation when acquiring property for these purposes, specifying that payment must be demonstrated for privately owned parcels, and clarifying that the lack of immediate construction or maintenance does not automatically constitute abandonment. The bill also updates procedures for abandoning or vacating existing highways and rights-of-way, including requirements for notifying underground facility owners and abutting landowners, and introduces stricter criteria for determining if a highway or right-of-way has been abandoned, particularly those created by less formal dedications. Furthermore, it modifies the process for validating existing highways and rights-of-way, ensuring that any validation includes verification of legal designation and requires a detailed analysis supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law. Finally, the bill declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1287/