Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 418 provides a supplemental appropriation of $12,323,700 to the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education (CTE) for Fiscal Year 2026. Of this total, $10 million from the General Fund is allocated equally among Idaho’s six technical colleges to support postsecondary career technical education. An additional $1,682,900 in federal grant funding is allocated for postsecondary programs, along with smaller amounts directed toward secondary and related CTE programs.

The bill includes provisions directing the Division to submit reports identifying how each institution utilizes its share of the $10 million, as well as documentation of outcomes and return on investment from prior adult education and literacy program funding. It also authorizes flexibility in fund transfers for federal grants such as Perkins funds, and includes standard restrictions on fund use. An emergency clause ensures the bill takes immediate effect.

Reason for Rating:

While House Bill 418 includes modest reporting requirements, it ultimately represents a substantial increase in government spending without meaningful accountability or performance-based conditions. The $10 million in state funds is allocated without requiring any immediate metrics, reforms, or demonstrable return on investment. By allowing flexible use of federal grant transfers and expanding funding for status quo programs, the bill undermines budgetary discipline and transparency. These actions conflict with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s emphasis on limited government, outcome-based education funding, and taxpayer accountability. For these reasons, H0418 is rated –1.