Rating: +1

Bill Summary:
House Bill 453 adjusts the 2026 fiscal year appropriations for the Public Schools Educational Support Program’s Division of Facilities. It allocates an additional $586,300 from the Public School Income Fund, backed by a transfer from the state’s General Fund, while simultaneously reducing a prior allocation by $2,156,400 from the School Districts Facilities Fund. The bill also clarifies that the increased funds are sourced from the General Fund and that the reduction affects the original School Districts Facilities Fund allocation. The net result is a decrease in total spending, along with a realignment of funding sources for public school infrastructure.

Reason for Rating:
This bill aligns with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s call for fiscal responsibility and budget transparency. It achieves a net reduction in spending, does not create or expand government programs, and reinforces support for public school infrastructure—a function explicitly supported by the platform without infringing on school choice or private alternatives. The act reflects sound fiscal stewardship by reallocating resources rather than increasing total expenditure.