Bill > S1326

This bill establishes the "Property Rights Protection Act" in Idaho, which outlines specific rules for government agents entering private land not open to the public. Generally, government agents, meaning employees or representatives of any government entity acting officially, are prohibited from entering such private land without a valid search warrant, exigent circumstances (limited, judicially recognized exceptions to warrant requirements), or the owner's lawful consent. Federal agents must notify the county sheriff before executing a search warrant on private land, unless exigent circumstances prevent it. While agents can approach a residence's front entrance like a private citizen, they cannot conduct investigatory searches or surveillance beyond what's visible from a public vantage point and must leave if asked by the owner or occupant, unless otherwise legally permitted. Violating these provisions can result in a $1,000 civil penalty per occurrence for the government agent, payable to a rangeland improvement account, and aggrieved individuals can sue for damages and legal fees, though certain law enforcement officers like sheriffs and police are exempt from these penalties. The bill also clarifies that it does not affect lawful investigations from public vantage points, entry for welfare checks or serving civil process, water rights administration, aerial observations, or entry for noxious weed control, among other exceptions.

Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1326/