Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 439 provides a supplemental appropriation of $551,500 to the Idaho Department of Administration for Fiscal Year 2026. The funding comes from a combination of the Permanent Building Fund, Administration and Accounting Services Fund, Employee Group Insurance Fund, Federal Surplus Property Revolving Fund, Retained Risk Fund, and Industrial Special Indemnity Fund. The bill authorizes the creation of three new full-time positions within the department.

It also reduces a prior appropriation to the Division of Public Works by $91,300 and transfers $60,600 from the Permanent Building Fund to the Governor’s Residence Fund to support a housing stipend for the Governor. The bill includes an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

House Bill 439 expands the size of state government by creating new full-time positions and reallocates infrastructure funding to cover a personal housing stipend for the Governor—an inappropriate use of capital funds. The bill lacks performance measures, reform initiatives, or efficiency mandates, signaling bureaucratic expansion without accountability. It also invokes an emergency clause for routine administrative actions, further blurring the line between urgent necessity and standard governance. These elements are inconsistent with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s emphasis on limited government, fiscal restraint, and responsible budgeting. For these reasons, H0439 is rated –1.