Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 419 provides a supplemental appropriation of $30,914,500 to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for Fiscal Year 2026. The funds are sourced from the General Fund, federal grants, recreational fuels tax, parks registration fees, and other dedicated revenues. The appropriation covers $4.1 million in personnel costs, $3.7 million in operating expenses, $7 million for capital outlay, and $16 million in trustee and benefit payments. Additionally, the bill authorizes the addition of five new full-time positions to the department.

The legislation includes a provision allowing grant funds to be reallocated for capital projects, bypassing standard legislative transfer restrictions. This gives the department more discretionary control over how allocated funds are used. An emergency clause makes the bill effective on July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

While supporting public parks and recreation is broadly popular, House Bill 419 violates key principles of the Idaho Republican Party Platform by expanding the size and scope of state government, increasing dependence on federal grants, and weakening legislative oversight of public funds. The creation of new full-time positions, coupled with the ability to shift money between categories without legislative approval, marks a concerning move away from fiscal restraint and transparent budgeting. The absence of performance-based spending conditions or efficiency measures further undermines conservative priorities. For these reasons, H0419 is rated –1.