Government Agents Would Need Permission To Enter Private Property Under Idaho Bill

Last week, legislation was introduced in the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee, requiring any government agent to obtain permission from a landowner prior to entering private property.  That permission would not be required if the agent had a warrant, or an emergency circumstance existed. 

Supporters of the legislation said this comes following government employees in the state who claim they are authorized to enter private property because they work for the government.  Soda Springs Republican Mark Harris said Senate Bill 1326 will protect private property rights.

“Basically it protects private property owners from being visited by agencies or law enforcement, whoever without a warrant," Harris said.  "There are some instances where law enforcement has to go on to private property, and this legislation spells that out. But it just another measure to protect private property owners.”

Critics of the legislation have asked why SB1326 is needed, since property rights are protected under the Constitution.  Supporters said this bill will provide the legal enforcement mechanism protecting those guaranteed property rights.

SB1326 is sponsored by senators Harris, Jim Guthrie, of McCammon, as well as representatives Judy Boyle, or Midvale, and Coeur d’Alene’s Joe Alfieri; all Republicans.

Click Here to learn more about SB 1326.

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