Press Release: With illegal public encampment gone, Idaho continues fight for public health and safety

The following Press Release was sent out by Gov. Brad Little. Note: Press Releases sent out by elected officials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.

Boise, Idaho – The State of Idaho filed a notice of dismissal Monday to end its lawsuit seeking to stop illegal public camping on the Capitol Annex in downtown Boise because all individuals have dispersed and the property has been cleared for weeks.

Now, with a new lawsuit from public encampment advocates emerging today, Governor Brad Little said Idaho will continue its fight to protect public health and safety.

Advertisement

“Idaho does not tolerate illegal public encampments and destruction of public property. Idaho is not San Francisco, Portland, or Seattle, where public officials have engaged in failed experiments to permit and encourage unsafe and destructive public camping.

“I am proud of my administration’s deliberate strategy to address a highly complex situation involving state statutes, case law, and the First Amendment while ensuring the state meets its obligation to protect public health and safety.

“The approach was effective, and the encampments have been gone for weeks. Idaho will continue to fight against illegal public camping, and I appreciate Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, my administration and law enforcement for their careful response and continued work to protect Idahoans,” Governor Little said.

Advertisement

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and Governor Brad Little’s administration filed a lawsuit in March to stop illegal public camping and the associated health and safety violations taking place on state property.

In the days following the lawsuit, individuals started to clear out of the encampment, where a growing number of violations and dangerous conduct requiring increased calls for police service and enforcement action had occurred since mid-January.

# # #