Idaho lawmaker pushes ‘Rat Bill’ as rodent numbers surge

(NewsNation) — An unusual but growing issue out of Idaho: A surge in rat sightings across the Boise area has prompted legislation.

State Rep. John Gannon, alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers, introduced a late-session bill that would classify invasive rat species as a public nuisance and give local governments the authority to act. Right now, under Idaho law, cities and counties say they lack clear authority to deal with the problem.

The proposal does not mandate action or funding but instead “empowers” local governments to respond to something officials say is urgently needed as rat populations........

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