Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1150 is a fiscal year 2026 appropriation bill that increases General Fund spending for several state agencies. It allocates approximately $1.8 million in new funding to the Idaho Department of Agriculture across programs such as animal industries, plant industries, pesticide regulation, food safety, and market development. The bill also transfers $1.72 million from the General Fund to the Pest Control Deficiency Fund for plant industry costs related to pest control during FY 2025. Additionally, the Soil and Water Conservation Commission receives $1.04 million, including $1 million in cost-share grants for agricultural water quality improvements and $40,500 in capital outlay. The bill permits the reappropriation of unspent FY 2025 funds for use in FY 2026 and includes an emergency clause making it effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
S1150 increases taxpayer-funded spending for multiple government programs without offering offsetting cuts, accountability measures, or structural reforms. It expands the footprint of the state in areas such as conservation and pest control through continued reliance on government-administered grant systems, instead of promoting private sector solutions or local autonomy. The appropriations are distributed broadly with no performance requirements or fiscal restraints, contradicting the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s principles of limited government, budget discipline, and opposition to unnecessary programmatic growth. As a result, this bill earns a negative rating.