Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 460 provides supplemental appropriations to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. It allocates $4,400,000 from the General Fund for FY2025 to support trustee and benefit payments under the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and $35,000 for FY2026 operating expenditures for the Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The bill imposes a 17% cap on the use of federal funds for pre-employment transition services, requires prioritization of funding for individuals with the most significant disabilities when demand exceeds resources, and mandates biannual reporting from community rehabilitation providers regarding contract regions and terms. An emergency clause applies to the FY2025 funding, making it immediately effective upon passage.

Reason for Rating:

While aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities, House Bill 460 expands state spending without implementing structural reform, outcome-based performance measures, or offsetting reductions. The bill reinforces bureaucratic models of service delivery, omits private-sector alternatives, and continues dependency on federal funds without a plan for long-term sustainability. Its reporting requirements fall short of meaningful accountability, and the inclusion of an emergency clause for routine appropriations erodes legislative transparency. These features conflict with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and reform-driven governance. For these reasons, H0460 is rated –1.