Rating: –1

Bill Summary:
H0156 amends Section 20-1002 of Idaho Code to increase the daily compensation for parole commissioners from $300 to $400 per day when conducting parole hearings, commutations, pardons, revocations, or other official hearings. The bill also maintains that commissioners will continue to be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses as outlined in Idaho Code. This compensation applies to commissioners actively participating in hearing sessions and specific meetings approved by the executive director. The bill includes an emergency clause, making it effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
H0156 earns a negative rating because it increases taxpayer-funded compensation for government appointees without demonstrating a compelling performance-based or fiscal justification. The Idaho Republican Party Platform emphasizes fiscal restraint, accountable public spending, and limiting the growth of government salaries. While parole commissioners play a serious role, this pay raise occurs during a period when taxpayers face economic pressures and the Legislature has emphasized budget discipline elsewhere. The platform calls for prioritizing tax relief and streamlined government, and this bill moves in the opposite direction by expanding per diem costs with no structural reform or offsetting reduction in expenses.