Rating: –1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1155 appropriates an additional $1,521,700 from the Liquor Control Fund to the Idaho State Liquor Division for fiscal year 2026. The allocation includes $57,400 for personnel costs, $478,800 for operating expenditures, and $985,500 for capital outlay. The funding is designated to support the continued operations and infrastructure of the state-run liquor enterprise. The bill includes an emergency clause, making the appropriation effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
S1155 expands spending within a state-run liquor monopoly that operates contrary to the free-market and limited-government principles outlined in the Idaho Republican Party Platform. Rather than moving toward privatization or reduced state control of alcohol distribution, this bill injects over $1.5 million into sustaining and growing a government enterprise. The use of nearly $1 million for capital outlay suggests infrastructure expansion without accountability or reform. Even though the Liquor Control Fund is not sourced from general tax revenue, the continued government operation of a retail and distribution system for alcohol represents a clear departure from the platform’s call to eliminate unnecessary government programs. This justifies a negative rating.