Rating: 0

Bill Summary:

House Bill 420 provides a supplemental appropriation of $9,900 from the General Fund to the Idaho STEM Action Center for Fiscal Year 2026. The funds are designated for capital outlay, which typically includes equipment or infrastructure purchases, and are available for use between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The bill includes an emergency clause to ensure immediate implementation at the start of the fiscal year.

Reason for Rating:

Although modest in size, House Bill 420 represents an increase in government spending without any offsetting cuts or attached performance requirements. The bill offers no detail on the nature of the capital expenditure or its impact on educational outcomes or fiscal efficiency. While supporting STEM education is broadly compatible with workforce development goals, this appropriation does not clearly advance the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s calls for accountability, limited government, or results-based budgeting. For these reasons, H0420 is rated 0.