Budget & Taxes (Appropriations)

This bill allocates an additional $2,100 from the state's General Fund to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. The money is designated for operating expenses covering the fiscal year from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The legislation includes a declaration of emergency to ensure the funding takes effect immediately on July 1, 2026. This appropriation supports the program's ongoing operations without changing existing laws or eligibility requirements.

This bill provides $486,300 in state funding to the Idaho State Historical Society for fiscal year 2027, covering operating expenses and a small amount for capital projects. The money comes from the state's Miscellaneous Revenue Fund and will be used for the society's regular operations and facility improvements. Additionally, the bill allows the society to use leftover funds from the previous year to cover moving costs if they relocate their facilities. The funding becomes available on July 1, 2026, and the bill was signed into law by the governor.

This bill allocates $1,673,000 in funding to Idaho's State Liquor Division for fiscal year 2027, covering operating expenses and capital projects. The money comes from the Liquor Control Fund and is designated for specific expense categories including daily operations and infrastructure improvements. The legislation declares an emergency to ensure the funds take effect immediately on July 1, 2026. This appropriation directly impacts the agency responsible for regulating alcohol sales and distribution in the state.

H 587 amends Idaho law to allow the rangeland improvement account to be used automatically each year without needing separate annual budget approvals. This affects the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (which manages the account) and ranchers who benefit from rangeland improvements funded through the account. The bill requires the department to provide annual reports to specific legislative committees detailing all funding sources and uses for the account. The change takes effect July 1, 2026, streamlining funding for ongoing rangeland conservation projects.

Idaho's S 1331 reduces state funding for education programs in fiscal year 2026 by $22.3 million from the Public School Income Fund and transfers money to the General Fund. It directly affects public schools (teachers and student support), Idaho's universities (including Boise State, Idaho State, and the University of Idaho), community colleges, and education programs like medical residencies and career technical education. Key mechanisms include cutting specific budget line items (e.g., $5.4 million for Boise State University, $1.8 million for student administrators), reducing authorized staff positions, and reallocating funds. The bill declares an emergency to expedite these fiscal adjustments.