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H 459

APPROPRIATIONS – DEPARTMENT OF LABOR – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Labor for fiscal year 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 459 allocates $104.9M to Idaho's Labor Department, adjusts unemployment funding, reduces staff, and mandates reports on labor and immigration impacts.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025 Session Law Chapter 284 Effective: 07/01/2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 459

Summary of House Bill 459: Appropriations for the Department of Labor

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 459 (H 459) is designed to appropriate funds to the Idaho Department of Labor for the fiscal year 2026. The bill aims to enhance the department's maintenance budget while addressing specific financial adjustments and operational changes.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Financial Adjustments:

    • A cash transfer of $4,868,600 from the Employment Security Administration and Reimbursement Fund to the Employment Security Fund to correct an accounting error.
    • A shift of $5,000,000 from federal funds to dedicated funds for unemployment insurance operations.
    • A reduction of 15.58 Full-Time Equivalent Positions (FTEs) for unemployment insurance operations.
    • An allocation of $161,000 for IT hardware.

  2. Reporting Requirements:

    • The Department of Labor is required to submit three reports:
      • A report detailing current authorized positions, filled positions, active positions, length of vacancy for unfilled positions, and salary savings for fiscal year 2025 by September 30, 2025.
      • A cost-benefit analysis on the use of E-Verify and a study on the impact of illegal immigration on the labor market by December 15, 2025.
      • A review of the costs and benefits of administering disability determination services at the state versus federal level by December 15, 2025.

  3. Budget Overview:

    • The total budget for the Department of Labor for FY 2026 is set at $104,938,300, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the previous fiscal year.

  4. Emergency Declaration:

    • The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately on July 1, 2025.

Impact

The provisions of H 459 will primarily affect the operations of the Idaho Department of Labor, particularly in the areas of unemployment insurance and disability determination services. The reduction in FTEs may impact staffing and service delivery within the department. Additionally, the required reports will provide insights into labor market dynamics and the effectiveness of current policies.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 26, 2025
  • Governor's Signature: April 3, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

The bill passed through various legislative stages, including committee reviews and votes in both the House and Senate, before being signed into law by the Governor.

Conclusion

House Bill 459 represents a strategic financial adjustment for the Idaho Department of Labor, aiming to enhance its operational capabilities while addressing necessary budgetary corrections and staffing changes. The required reports will also help inform future policy decisions regarding labor and immigration issues in the state.

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

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