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H 374

APPROPRIATIONS – AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION SERVICE – Relates to the appropriation to the Agricultural Research and Extension Service for fiscal year 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 374 allocates $250,100 to enhance Idaho's Agricultural Research and Extension Service, boosting research support and partnerships with local agriculture.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 21, 2025 Session Law Chapter 146 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 374

Summary of House Bill 374: Appropriations for Agricultural Research and Extension Service

Bill Number: H 374
Title: Appropriations – Agricultural Research and Extension Service
Status: Reported Signed by Governor on March 21, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Introduced: March 6, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Agriculture, Appropriations, Food

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 374 aims to enhance the funding for the Agricultural Research and Extension Service (ARES) of the University of Idaho for the fiscal year 2026. The bill provides additional financial resources to support maintenance costs and operational needs, particularly at the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) located in Rupert, Idaho.

Key Provisions

  1. Funding Appropriation:

    • The bill appropriates an additional $250,100 to the ARES for the fiscal year 2026.
    • This funding is allocated as follows:
      • Personnel Costs: $19,300
      • Operating Expenditures: $230,800

  2. Full-Time Equivalent Positions:

    • The bill authorizes an increase of 0.43 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the ARES for the same fiscal period.

  3. Partnerships with Industry:

    • ARES is tasked with developing a long-term financial operations plan for CAFE, which includes:
      • A detailed accounting of anticipated expenses and revenue sources.
      • Strategies to strengthen partnerships with Idaho's agricultural industries, including dairy and ranching.
      • A report to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee is due by December 31, 2025.

  4. Conditions and Limitations:

    • The appropriations are subject to specific conditions and limitations as outlined in the bill.

  5. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The funding increase will directly benefit the Agricultural Research and Extension Service, enhancing its ability to maintain facilities and support agricultural research and education in Idaho.
  • Agricultural Community: Strengthening partnerships with local agricultural industries may lead to improved collaboration and resource sharing, potentially reducing reliance on General Fund expenditures in future years.
  • Budget Overview: The total budget for the Agricultural Research and Extension Service for FY 2026 will be $39,955,500, reflecting a 0.6% increase from the previous fiscal year.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 6, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.
  • March 11, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 42-27-1.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House for enrollment.
  • March 21, 2025: Signed by the Governor and reported as Session Law Chapter 146.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of House Bill 374, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on agricultural research and extension services in Idaho.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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