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H 455

APPROPRIATIONS – DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 455 allocates $75.4M to the Department of Environmental Quality for cleanup, infrastructure, and personnel, enhancing environmental protection in Idaho.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 4, 2025 Session Law Chapter 319 Effective: 04/04/2025 SECTION 7; 07/01/2025 SECTION 1-6
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Bill Summary · H 455

Summary of House Bill 455 (H 455)

Title

Appropriations – Department of Environmental Quality

Purpose

House Bill 455 aims to appropriate additional funds to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The bill seeks to enhance the DEQ's budget to address various environmental initiatives, including personnel costs, superfund cleanups, and infrastructure improvements related to drinking water and wastewater.

Key Provisions

  1. Total Appropriation: The bill provides an additional $75,436,300 to the DEQ's maintenance budget, bringing the total budget to $246,378,400 for fiscal year 2026.

  2. Funding Allocations:

    • Targeted Pay: Funding to address turnover within the DEQ.
    • Superfund Cleanup: Financial resources allocated for the cleanup of contaminated sites.
    • Triumph Mine Remediation: Specific funding for the remediation of the Triumph Mine site.
    • Infrastructure Grants: A $10,000,000 cash transfer from the General Fund to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure grants.
    • ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds: Transition from ongoing appropriations to one-time appropriations to expedite reimbursements for infrastructure projects.

  3. Reappropriation Authority: The bill grants the DEQ authority to reappropriate unspent funds from previous years for specific nonrecurring expenditures.

  4. Emergency Declaration: The bill declares an emergency, allowing certain provisions to take effect immediately upon passage.

  5. Reporting Requirements: The DEQ must report to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee by December 1, 2025, detailing grant recipients and any uncommitted funds.

Affected Entities

  • Department of Environmental Quality: The primary agency receiving the appropriations.
  • Infrastructure Grantees: Local governments and organizations that will receive grants for drinking water and wastewater projects.
  • Environmental Stakeholders: Communities and ecosystems impacted by the DEQ's remediation and cleanup efforts.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • Governor's Approval: Signed into law on April 4, 2025.
  • Effective Dates:
    • Section 7 became effective immediately upon signing.
    • Sections 1-6 will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 455 represents a significant investment in environmental quality and infrastructure in Idaho, addressing critical needs in personnel, cleanup efforts, and water quality improvements. The bill's provisions aim to enhance the DEQ's operational capacity and expedite funding for essential projects that benefit public health and the environment.

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

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