APPROPRIATIONS – DIVISION OF CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION – Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Career Technical Education for fiscal year 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 418 allocates $12.3M to enhance adult education and technical colleges in Idaho, boosting vocational training and literacy support for the 2026 fiscal year.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2025 Session Law Chapter 261 Effective: 07/01/2025

#appropriations #collegesanduniversities #education

Bill Overview

Bill Number: H 418

Title: Appropriations – Division of Career Technical Education

Status: Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2025 (Session Law Chapter 261)

Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Introduced: March 19, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject: Appropriations, Colleges and Universities, Education

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 418 aims to enhance the fiscal resources allocated to the Division of Career Technical Education (DCTE) for the fiscal year 2026. The bill provides additional funding to support adult education, literacy programs, and capacity building at the state's technical colleges. It also mandates reporting on the outcomes of previous investments in adult education and literacy.

Key Provisions

Funding Allocation:

The bill appropriates an additional $12,323,700 to the DCTE's maintenance budget for FY 2026.
This includes a one-time increase of $50,000 and an ongoing increase of $12,273,700.
The total budget for the DCTE will amount to $109,755,300 for FY 2026.

Use of Funds:

Funds are designated for:
- Capacity enhancements at six technical colleges in Idaho.
- Support for adult education and literacy initiatives.
- Spending authority for federal grants.
Each technical college will receive $1,666,666, not exceeding a total of $10,000,000 from the General Fund for capacity enhancements.

Reporting Requirements:

The DCTE is required to submit a report to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee by December 31, 2025, detailing expenditures on adult education and literacy over the past five fiscal years, including outcomes and return on investment.

Exemptions and Limitations:

The bill exempts certain programs from object transfer limitations, allowing for more flexibility in budget management within the DCTE.

Emergency Clause:

An emergency is declared, allowing the bill to take effect immediately on July 1, 2025.

Impact

Who is Affected:

The funding will directly benefit the six technical colleges in Idaho, adult education programs, and individuals seeking vocational training and literacy support.
The DCTE will have enhanced capacity to manage and report on educational outcomes, potentially improving the effectiveness of adult education initiatives.

Budgetary Implications:

The increase in funding represents a 12.6% overall increase from the previous fiscal year, indicating a significant investment in career technical education.

Procedural Timeline

March 19, 2025: Bill introduced and referred for printing.

March 31, 2025: Passed in the House and sent to the Senate.

April 2, 2025: Signed by the Governor and reported as law.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 418, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the expected impact on career technical education in Idaho.

Bill