HB 527: Exempting the Import of Captive Animals—2020

House Bill 527, introduced by Rep. Christy Zito (R-Hammett), is aimed at allowing the importation of cold-blooded reptiles, and specifically venomous snakes, into Idaho. The bill appears to be unnecessary though, because pet stores are already allowed to import virtually any species into Idaho for sale, including venomous snakes.

But the bill expands existing exemptions for pet stores, by allowing any individual to import “any animals considered household pets.” The problem is, the bill doesn’t define what is considered a “household pet.”

The Idaho Conservation League is concerned that the lack of clear definitions in the bill could allow the spread of unwanted and/or nuisance species that can wreak havoc on ecosystems.