Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 247 is the fiscal year 2026 appropriation bill for the Idaho Legislative Branch, covering the Legislative Services Office (LSO) and the Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE). The bill authorizes $13,016,400 in total expenditures for personnel and operating costs across multiple funding sources.

Breakdown:

• $9.26M from the General Fund to support LSO operations.
• Funding from special funds including:
  • Technology Infrastructure Stabilization Fund
  • Miscellaneous Revenue Fund
  • Legislative Capitol Facilities Fund
  • Professional Services Fund
• $1.13M for the Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE), which conducts independent audits and policy reviews for the Legislature.

Additional Provisions:

• Exempts the LSO and OPE from the usual restrictions on moving funds between expense categories, granting flexibility to manage budgets without needing midyear legislative approval.
• Reappropriates any unused ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) State Fiscal Recovery funds from FY2025 for nonrecurring expenses in FY2026, ensuring efficient use of federal dollars.
• Includes a standard emergency clause, making the law effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

HB 247 demonstrates fiscal discipline, transparent government budgeting, and legislative self-governance, all in alignment with the Idaho Republican Party Platform. It maintains funding for core legislative functions without unnecessary expansion, ensures flexibility within budget lines, and responsibly manages federal COVID-related funds without long-term dependency. For reinforcing constitutional legislative oversight and avoiding bureaucratic bloat, this bill earns a +1 rating.