Airbnb cheers as Idaho bill to limit local regulation of its hosts’ homes becomes law

“This bill is a major win for the 2,000 Idahoans, the vast majority of whom are women and seniors, welcoming visitors to their state,” said Jasmine Mora, a spokeswoman for Airbnb, in a statement. “This legislation takes a balanced approach to ensuring families continue to have a variety of travel options while enabling cities to adopt reasonable regulations.”

Gov. Butch Otter has signed a bill aimed at curbing local governments’ efforts to regulate homeowners who rent their homes through Airbnb or similar services.

Otter last week signed the Short-term Rental and Vacation Rental Act, which ensures homeowners’ rights to rent their properties but still allows local regulation when "the public health, safety and welfare" are at stake. The bill passed the House 63-5 with two absentions and passed the Senate 35-0.

BY DAVID STAATS
[email protected]

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