Bill Analyses and Ratings

Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 454 provides a supplemental appropriation of $1,630,500 to the Public Schools Educational Support Program’s Division of Teachers for Fiscal Year 2026. The funds are transferred from the General Fund to the Public School Income Fund, and the bill clarifies that this appropriation is to be counted as a General Fund expenditure. No specific uses for the funds are identified, and no personnel increases or performance conditions are included. The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

While supporting teachers is a legitimate goal, House Bill 454 increases state education spending with no attached reforms, accountability, or offsetting reductions. The bill lacks transparency in how the funds will be used and contributes to ongoing baseline budget growth without requiring improved outcomes or efficiency. By routing money through multiple funds, it complicates fiscal clarity and avoids a direct appropriations debate. The inclusion of an emergency clause for a routine administrative expenditure further reduces legislative oversight. These elements are inconsistent with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s emphasis on limited government, fiscal responsibility, and transparent budgeting. For these reasons, H0454 is rated –1.