The bill amends Section 22-4505 of the Idaho Code to enhance protections for agricultural operations against nuisance claims. It establishes that agricultural operations, facilities, or expansions that adhere to recognized agricultural practices or comply with relevant permits cannot be deemed a nuisance. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for attorney's fees and costs for prevailing parties in nuisance claims, ensuring that if an agricultural operation is found to be compliant with the law, the owner or operator can recover legal expenses from the non-prevailing party.

Furthermore, the bill imposes penalties for individuals who file multiple meritless complaints against agricultural operations within a two-year period. Specifically, a second meritless complaint will incur a $150 fine, a third will incur a $300 fine, and a fourth or subsequent complaint will be classified as a misdemeanor. The definition of a "meritless complaint" is clarified to include complaints alleging nuisance when the agricultural operation was compliant with the law at the time of the complaint. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, due to an emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 22-4505