Bill SB 1166 proposes new restrictions on the siting and expansion of homeless shelters in cities with populations over 100,000. It would prohibit new shelters from being built within 300 feet of residentially zoned areas and prevent existing shelters from expanding operations if they do not meet these new restrictions.

This bill directly impacts communities working to provide critical shelter services to those experiencing homelessness. Supporters are encouraged to communicate with senators to oppose SB 1166 and advocate for solutions that address homelessness without harmful zoning restrictions.

• Prohibit new homeless shelters – like our State Street Shelter – from being built within 300 feet of residential zones in cities over 100,000 population and block existing shelters from expanding

• Override local control, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores unique community needs

• Contradict evidence-based solutions for addressing homelessness, which emphasize expanding shelter access and housing options

• Prevent religious institutions from providing emergency shelter when located within 300 feet of residential zones, eliminating crucial community support systems

• Worsen our homelessness crisis by reducing shelter access when it’s needed most, forcing more people to live on streets or in vehicles

• Increase taxpayer costs as unsheltered individuals cycle through jails, emergency rooms, hospitals, and require more frequent police intervention

We understand time is limited.

If you can only make one phone call, please call the Local Government and Taxation Committee: (208) 332-1315

If you can only send one email, use the tool below to email 13 senators at once!

Further communications directed to individual members of the Local Government and Taxation Committee should be directed at: 

• Local Government and Taxation Committee: sloc@senate.idaho.gov; (208) 332-1315
• Chairman, Doug Ricks: (208) 332-1301; DRicks@senate.idaho.gov
• Vice Chairman, Ben Adams: (208) 332-1336;  BAdams@senate.idaho.gov
• Lori  Den Hartog: (208) 332-1340; LDenHartog@senate.idaho.gov
• C. Scott Grow: (208) 332-1334; SGrow@senate.idaho.gov
• Kelly Arthur Anthon: (208) 332-1327 ; KAnthon@senate.idaho.gov
• Treg Bernt: (208) 332-1331; TBernt@senate.idaho.gov
• Ben Toews: (208) 332-1322; BToews@senate.idaho.gov
• Ali Rabe: (208) 332-1409; ARabe@senate.idaho.gov
• Ron C. Taylor: (208) 332-1353; RTaylor@senate.idaho.gov

1. Vote NO on SB 1166 – This bill does not solve homelessness; it only makes it harder to provide essential shelter services.
2. Support Local Solutions – Allow cities to determine where shelters should be located based on their unique community needs.
3. Focus on Real Solutions – Instead of restrictions, support funding for affordable housing, mental health services, and shelter programs that address the root causes of homelessness.

SB 1166 Limits Local Control

• Cities and counties should have the ability to determine where homeless shelters are needed and how best to serve their communities.
• This bill imposes statewide restrictions that override local decision-making, taking away a city’s ability to respond to homelessness in ways that best fit their needs.

It Will Make Homelessness Worse, Not Better

• Restricting shelter locations does not reduce homelessness—it only limits where people can find safety and support.
• When shelters can’t expand or relocate, more people are forced into unsafe, unsanitary, and public spaces, increasing visible homelessness rather than solving it.
• Cities like Boise are already struggling with full shelters and growing waitlists—this bill would worsen the crisis.

The 300-Foot Restriction is Unworkable

• In large cities, finding available space that meets the 300-foot distance requirement is nearly impossible.
• Homeless shelters are not the same as high-crime facilities—they provide structured, supportive environments designed to help people get back on their feet.

It Blocks Expansion of Existing Shelters

• Even if a shelter has successfully operated in a location for years, this bill prohibits expansion if it does not meet the new restrictions.
• As homelessness increases, shelters need more flexibility, not less, to adjust and serve those in need.

This Bill Targets the Most Vulnerable

• Many individuals in shelters are families, seniors, and people with disabilitieswho need temporary support.
• Preventing shelter access means pushing more people onto the streets, exposing them to danger, illness, and extreme weather conditions.

Subject: Vote NO on SB 1166 – Harmful Restrictions on Homeless Shelters

Dear Senator [INSERT SENATOR’S NAME],

I strongly urge you to vote NO on Senate Bill 1166, which would impose harmful restrictions on homeless shelters in our state.

This bill would:

• Remove local control from our communities by imposing statewide restrictions that override local decision-making on homelessness solutions.
• Worsen homelessness by limiting shelter locations with the 300-foot restriction from residential zones, forcing more vulnerable people into unsafe public spaces.
• Create an unworkable situation in urban areas where finding space that meets the 300-foot requirement is nearly impossible.
• Block existing successful shelters from expanding to meet growing needs, even if they’ve operated without issues for years.
• Contradict evidence-based solutions for addressing homelessness, which emphasize expanding shelter access and housing options. 
• Prevent religious institutions from providing emergency shelter when located within 300 feet of residential zones, eliminating crucial community support systems. 
• Harm our most vulnerable neighbors—including families, seniors, and people with disabilities—by reducing access to safe shelter and exposing them to dangerous conditions.
• Increase taxpayer costs as unsheltered individuals cycle through jails, emergency rooms, hospitals, and require more frequent police intervention. 

Cities like Boise are already struggling with full shelters and growing waitlists. This bill would only worsen the crisis without offering real solutions.

I urge you to reject SB 1166 and instead support policies that address the root causes of homelessness through affordable housing, mental health services, and evidence-based interventions.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

[YOUR ADDRESS]

[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]

[YOUR EMAIL]

“Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I’m calling to urge Senator [NAME] to vote NO on SB 1166. This bill would place unnecessary restrictions on homeless shelters and take away local control over addressing homelessness. The 300-foot restriction from residential zones would make it nearly impossible to build new shelters or expand existing ones in our cities, especially in Boise where shelters are already at capacity with growing waitlists.

Instead of blocking shelter access, we should focus on real solutions that help people transition out of homelessness. Please vote NO on SB 1166 and support local decision-making that addresses the unique needs of our communities. Thank you.”