This bill allocates $4,998,400 to Idaho's Office of the State Board of Education for fiscal year 2027, funding administrative operations through a combination of general fund and federal grant money. It simultaneously reduces the office's general fund appropriation by $510,500 and cuts four full-time equivalent positions from the office's authorized staffing level. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026, and was signed into law by the Governor.
This bill requires the Legislative Services Office to calculate and provide a reduction to the governor's budget document for certain state entities. The reduction applies to organizations with 50 or more full-time equivalent positions and covers employee benefits, health insurance, and compensation costs. The calculation uses a five-year average of actual personnel expenditures divided by originally appropriated personnel costs, or all available years if the entity is newer. The joint finance-appropriations committee must include these calculated reductions in each entity's appropriation bill, and the changes apply to all fund types.
This concurrent resolution urges Idaho voters to reject the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act if it appears on the November 2026 ballot. The bill does not change any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal statement from the legislature expressing opposition to medical marijuana legalization. The resolution cites concerns about potential health risks, environmental damage, increased crime, and significant state budget costs associated with implementing a medical cannabis program. It also notes that the proposed act would allow home delivery of marijuana and does not require a doctor's prescription, which the legislature argues could lead to widespread recreational use.
This bill modifies Idaho's budget limit rules for taxing districts, allowing them to request property tax revenue increases under specific conditions. It primarily affects local governments such as cities, fire protection districts, and other taxing entities by adjusting how much they can raise in property taxes for their annual budgets. The key changes include allowing a maximum budget increase of 8% for most districts, with a 15% limit for smaller cities under 30,000 people, and creating a mechanism for districts to recover previously unused budget increases in future years. The bill also clarifies calculations for new construction and annexed property, while excluding school district levies from these limits.
This bill creates a new excise tax on international money transfers originating in Idaho, charging a $5 fee plus 4% on amounts over $500 for each transaction. The tax applies to individuals sending money to recipients outside the United States through various methods like wire transfers or electronic payments, but exempts transactions where the sender uses their own bank account or can prove U.S. legal residence with valid identification. Money transmission companies must collect and remit the tax quarterly to the state, while senders receive receipts that explain how they can claim a refund or tax credit. The state tax commission will distribute the collected revenue, with amounts used for refunds going to the state refund account and the remainder funding the general fund.
Idaho's S 1252, the "ROGUE Act," limits annual maintenance budget increases for all state government entities (including departments, agencies, universities, and colleges) to the regional consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate for the prior year. If the CPI shows no increase or a decrease, budgets cannot exceed the previous year's approved amount. Exceptions allow higher increases for emergencies, federally required spending, or operational needs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to tie state spending growth to inflation.
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.
