Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 448 provides a supplemental appropriation of $642,800 to the Idaho Department of Finance for Fiscal Year 2026. The funding includes $556,000 for personnel costs, $20,000 for operating expenditures, and $66,800 for capital outlay. All funding is drawn from the State Regulatory Fund, a dedicated account used to support the department’s operations. The bill also authorizes the creation of four new full-time equivalent positions and includes an emergency clause that makes the bill effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

House Bill 448 expands the size and scope of state government without requiring performance benchmarks, structural reform, or demonstrated need. It creates new permanent government positions and allocates nearly $650,000 from a dedicated fund without legislative scrutiny or a cost-efficiency plan. The use of an emergency clause for routine operating expenditures further undermines fiscal transparency. These elements conflict with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s commitment to limited government, lean administration, and responsible stewardship of public funds. For these reasons, H0448 is rated –1.