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H 477

APPROPRIATIONS – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE – FOSTER AND ASSISTANCE PAYMENT PROGRAM – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal year 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Allocates $420,500 ongoing to Idaho DHW for extended foster care payments in FY2026, funding youth aging out up to 23 under H245, effective July 1, 2025 (emergency).

Reported Signed by Governor on April 4, 2025 Session Law Chapter 301 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 477

Idaho HB 477 – Summary

Overview

House Bill 477 is a FY 2026 trailer appropriations bill for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) intended to fund the Foster and Assistance Payments Program. It provides additional, ongoing funds to support extended foster care services for youth aging out of the foster care system, in connection with the policy changes under H245 that allow extended care up to age 23 under limited circumstances. The bill is an emergency appropriation and becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Main purpose and intent

  • To provide additional state and federal funds to DHW for the Foster and Assistance Payments Program for extended foster care services in fiscal year 2026.
  • Specifically addresses the fiscal impact of House Bill 245 (extended foster care up to age 23 under certain circumstances) by ensuring funding is available to support trustee and benefit payments related to that program.

Key provisions

  • Appropriation: Adds $420,500 in ongoing funds to DHW for the Foster and Assistance Payments Program for FY 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), to be expended as trustee and benefit payments for extended foster care services.
  • Funding sources:
    • General Fund (Cooperative Welfare Fund): $222,900
    • Federal Fund (Cooperative Welfare Fund): $197,600
  • Effective date and emergency: The act declares an emergency and provides that the bill shall be in full force and effect on and after July 1, 2025.

Funding details

  • Total additional appropriation: $420,500
  • Breakdown:
    • General Fund: $222,900
    • Federal Funds: $197,600
  • Purpose: Extended foster care services under the Foster and Assistance Payments Program for FY 2026.

Affected entities and implications

  • Primary: Department of Health and Welfare (DHW)
  • Beneficiaries: Youth aging out of foster care who qualify for extended care under H245 (up to age 23 under limited circumstances)
  • Service providers and programs that administer trustee and benefit payments within the foster care extended-care framework

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Legislative action: Passed House (April 3–4, 2025) with an emergency clause; transmitted to Senate; enrolled and transmitted back; signed by Governor and became Chapter 301 on April 4, 2025.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025 (with emergency clause in effect on and after that date)

Fiscal note (Document 1)

  • Purpose: Trailer appropriation for FY 2026; aligns funding with extended foster care provisions.
  • Total new ongoing appropriation: $420,500
    • General Fund: $222,900
    • Federal Funds: $197,600
  • Notes: This fiscal note was prepared as part of the legislative process and reflects the anticipated fiscal impact of H245.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to prior years’ foster care appropriations or summarize how H245 changes existing foster care eligibility.

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

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