Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 480 provides a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, focused on substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and psychiatric hospitalization. The bill reallocates over $4.2 million in funding across these divisions, eliminates nine full-time positions in the Mental Health Services division, and includes new restrictions on assessment practices. It prohibits state funding from supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), critical race theory, or transgender ideology. It also restricts use of the CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) assessment in ways that reference sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill prevents the backfilling of federal grant losses with state dollars without express legislative approval and permits intra-agency fund transfers. Some sections of the bill take effect immediately under an emergency clause.

Reason for Rating:

While the bill aims to rein in ideological spending, House Bill 480 inserts rigid political boundaries into clinical and mental health service delivery, undermining professional discretion and evidence-based practice. Its blanket ban on funding anything related to DEI or gender identity risks deterring legitimate services for vulnerable populations and could result in chilling effects on provider behavior. The elimination of mental health staff positions in the midst of a statewide mental health crisis reflects a prioritization of ideology over public health need. Additionally, while it claims fiscal discipline, the bill merely redistributes funds without structural reform or long-term savings. These aspects conflict with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s emphasis on effective service delivery, personal responsibility, and limited—but capable—government. For these reasons, H0480 is rated –1.