Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1107 appropriates $546,223,200 to Idaho’s Department of Correction, Department of Juvenile Corrections, and Idaho State Police for Fiscal Year 2026. The funding supports personnel, operations, capital outlay, and trustee/benefit payments across a wide range of public safety functions, including state correctional facilities, juvenile detention and rehabilitation, community reentry programs, and law enforcement activities. It also funds the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy, forensic services, patrol and investigations, and regulatory functions such as brand inspection and racing oversight. The bill sets full-time equivalent (FTE) caps for each department, grants limited flexibility to transfer funds within programs, and requires accountability audits per Idaho law.

Reason for Rating:
S1107 upholds core priorities in the Idaho Republican Party Platform by strengthening public safety, supporting law enforcement, and maintaining a secure correctional system. It ensures well-funded and trained police, correctional officers, and juvenile rehabilitation personnel—without raising taxes or expanding government inappropriately. The bill also incorporates accountability mechanisms to safeguard taxpayer funds and requires that all appropriated dollars be used only for their intended purposes. By reinforcing rule of law, victim protection, and personal responsibility, this appropriation exemplifies responsible governance consistent with platform values.