Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1132 makes a net-zero budgetary adjustment for the State Independent Living Council (SILC) for Fiscal Year 2026 by shifting $11,600 in personnel costs from the State Independent Living Council Fund to the General Fund. The total appropriation remains unchanged, but the bill reallocates the funding source to rely on taxpayer-supported General Fund dollars. It includes an emergency clause, making the bill effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
Although the bill does not increase overall spending, it unnecessarily shifts a nonessential agency’s personnel costs to the General Fund, increasing the burden on Idaho taxpayers. The State Independent Living Council, an advisory body not central to core government functions, should not receive General Fund subsidies, especially when a dedicated fund already exists for its operations. Furthermore, invoking an emergency clause for a routine accounting shift undermines legislative integrity and accountability. By expanding reliance on taxpayer dollars without delivering a reduction in scope or cost of government, the bill violates the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s principles of limited government, fiscal restraint, and proper prioritization of public resources.