Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 425 appropriates $122,861,900 from the Permanent Building Fund to the Idaho Department of Administration’s Division of Public Works for Fiscal Year 2026. The funding covers a wide array of infrastructure projects, including $68.2 million for statewide building maintenance, ADA compliance upgrades, and facility repairs. An additional $42.1 million is allocated for new capital projects, such as a Department of Lands office expansion, Idaho State Police facility development, and construction or improvements at Boise State University, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho.

The bill also restores $12.6 million from previously authorized but unspent appropriations and allows the Division to redirect savings among capital projects with administrative approval. It authorizes use of federal and private matching funds and requires annual reporting on project expenditures and dormant appropriations. The bill includes an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

Despite its maintenance-focused appearance, House Bill 425 substantially increases state spending without structural reforms, privatization strategies, or efficiency safeguards. It funds government facility expansions that will likely result in long-term cost growth and increased bureaucracy. The bill allows for fund reallocation with minimal legislative oversight and encourages dependency on federal dollars—both in tension with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s emphasis on limited government, budget discipline, and state sovereignty. For these reasons, H0425 is rated –1.