Camille Blaylock — Senator Blaylock asked the bill sponsor questions about the bill, including why the earlier version failed and how the current bill differs from the prior one, indicating a continued follow-up on the same legislative issue.
John Gannon, Representative in District 17 — Identified himself as the bill sponsor from District 17.
Representative Gannon — Explained that the prior bill failed because many House members viewed it as a local government health and safety issue.
Representative Gannon — Responded to Senator Lent's question about taxing districts and local authority.
Tammy Nichols — Addressed as part of the exchange confirming the local-government authority question.
Nancy Daniels — Nancy Daniels introduced herself as a Depot Bench resident of 35 years and described a growing rat problem in her neighborhood. She explained that she and her neighbors have documented sightings with cameras and texts, cleaned up properties, and hired pest control, but the neighborhood’s layout, irrigation canals, and inaccessible spaces make individual control difficult. She warned that rats could spread from the neighborhood into nearby parks such as Catherine Albertson Park and Morrison Park, and said residents are willing to help by marking sightings but need county or state support for a coordinated top-down response. In response to a question, she added that she had never seen rats in the neighborhood before, only other wildlife like raccoons, deer, and wild turkeys.
Jane Rowling — Jane Rowling introduced herself as an Eagle resident and founder of the Rats in Eagle and Beyond Nextdoor group, then described the geographic spread and long duration of the rat problem in her area, saying she has had rats in her yard since late 2022 and expects the issue to worsen. She expressed disappointment that the State Department of Agriculture cannot directly help, noted that counties and cities will likely need to do most of the work, and argued that government will not replace private pest control or take over individual yards. She emphasized that property owners still have responsibility but that the problem is now beyond what homeowners can handle alone, sharing that she has spent nearly $30,000 on yard and crawl-space modifications due to rat damage. Rowling also said many residents still do not realize rats are an issue, urged people to set traps, and supported the bill as part of the solution. She explained that she has been speaking with Eagle city officials and plans to push city councils and the county to find funding for rat control, warning that without quick action the problem could become unmanageable. She concluded by suggesting broader measures such as rat birth control and other large-scale control efforts, while stressing that county and city assistance is necessary for them to work.
Joshua Kohl — Senator Cole was recognized to speak, then commented that the third version of the legislation was narrower in scope and closer to what was intended, though he remained concerned that JFAC would continue producing a fiscal note each year. He said he would support the motion to advance the bill to the floor, and the chair then thanked him and moved on.
Todd Lakey — Moves to approve the March 19, 2026 minutes.
Todd Lakey — Asked whether listing rats as an invasive species would allow local communities or cities to create taxing districts and address the local issue.
Todd Lakey — Addressed as part of the exchange confirming the local-government authority question.
Todd Lakey — Referenced as having suggested marking where rats are being seen or spotted.
Todd Lakey — The committee wraps up testimony on the rat/invasive species issue, with Representative Gannon offering brief closing remarks that local governments and cities should be able to fund the response from their own budgets. The chair then moves to Senate Bill 1445, calls on Senator Lakey for a motion, and Lakey moves the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. He adds that the rats should be declared an invasive species so counties can take appropriate action in coordination with the private sector, after which the chair thanks him and opens the floor to others.
Carrie Semmelroth — Is identified as the second on the motion.
Christy Zito — Briefly interrupts, then later introduces the March 24, 2026 minutes motion.
Christy Zito — Moves to adopt the March 24, 2026 minutes.
Christy Zito — Questions why local governments need state permission to address rats.
Christy Zito — Is addressed in the exchange about local authority and state permission.
Christy Zito — Asked whether the bill would obligate the state financially next year if rats are declared an invasive species.
Ron Taylor — Is identified as the second on the motion.
Ron Taylor — Was identified as the second on the motion.
Dave Lent — Commissioner Davidson discussed whether declaring rats an invasive species would create a future financial obligation for the state. After initially deferring the question to Director Tewalt, Davidson clarified that if the measure is not a direct appropriation this year, it would not carry over to require state action next year because that obligation is not specified in the law.