Rating: -1
Bill Summary:
House Bill 372 appropriates an additional $139,800 from the General Fund to the State Appellate Public Defender (SAPD) for Fiscal Year 2026. Of that amount, $129,500 is allocated for personnel to support one new full-time position, with the remainder directed toward operating expenses and capital outlay. The bill also reappropriates up to $1,209,400 in unspent funds from FY2025 for capital case expenses and allows for additional reappropriation to cover the cost of noncapital appeals through outside legal counsel. An emergency clause is included, making the bill effective July 1, 2025.
Reason for Rating:
House Bill 372 expands government staff without providing any performance justification, workload analysis, or accountability measures—violating the Idaho Republican Party’s emphasis on limited, efficient government. It reappropriates over $1.2 million in unspent funds without requiring legislative review or audit, enabling unchecked agency spending. Additionally, it allows for open-ended contracting with private attorneys for appellate work, without cost caps or bidding safeguards. The inclusion of an emergency clause for a routine budget adjustment further undermines legislative transparency and constitutional order. For these reasons, H0372 is appropriately rated at –1.