Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 248 is the comprehensive FY 2026 budget appropriation for Idaho’s Natural Resources agencies, totaling over $523 million in spending authority. It funds the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Fish and Game, Lands, Parks and Recreation, Water Resources, and the Endowment Fund Investment Board. Key provisions include capital project funding, personnel authorizations, and targeted transfers for water and land management.

Highlights:

• Major investment in water infrastructure, including:
  • $59.9 million from ARPA funds for DEQ drinking water and wastewater projects.
  • $5 million for aquifer recharge and $1 million for flood management.
• Fire management funding for the Department of Lands, with flexibility to shift funds across categories during fire seasons.
• Support for habitat restoration, wildlife management, and recreation, including millions for Fish and Game’s enforcement, fisheries, and depredation programs.
• Capital development and park operations funded through general, registration, and fuel tax revenues.
• Allows continued use of unspent FY 2025 ARPA and capital development funds for nonrecurring projects in FY 2026.
• Transfers over $110 million in endowment earnings to income funds supporting education and public institutions.

Reason for Rating:

HB 248 reflects strong fiscal management, conservative investment in infrastructure, and prioritization of Idaho’s water, land, and recreational resources—all consistent with the Idaho Republican Party Platform. It avoids new entitlements or tax increases, leverages federal dollars for one-time projects, and empowers agencies to respond to Idaho-specific needs like fire and aquifer management. By protecting natural resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility and oversight, the bill earns a +1 rating.