Idaho Legislators Back Rule Allowing Advertising in Parks

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Some Idaho lawmakers are backing a state rule that would give private sponsors the ability to name state parks.

The rule presented on Friday before the Senate Resource and Environment Committee gives the Legislature the final say in naming future parks. However, it prohibits a corporate sponsor from renaming any state park that is historically known by a different name. Idaho Parks and Recreation Department Administrator Anna Canning told the committee on Friday the rule would also permit private advertising within the park.

She said the advertising must be consistent with the department's goals and would be small and tasteful. In 2015, the Legislature gave the department the green light to pursue corporate sponsorship to offset their depleted budget, but lawmakers expressed concern about corporate naming and advertising within the public space. The rule will need to pass a House committee for final approval.