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H 480

APPROPRIATIONS – HEALTH AND WELFARE – BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Behavioral Health Services Division for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 480 boosts Idaho's behavioral health funding by $261,400 for FY 2026, enhancing mental health and substance abuse services while limiting certain program uses.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 4, 2025 Session Law Chapter 303 Effective: 04/04/2025 SECTION 9-12; 07/01/2025 SECTION 1-8
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Bill Summary · H 480

Summary of House Bill 480 (H 480)

Overview

House Bill 480 (H 480) is a legislative measure that appropriates funds to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for the Behavioral Health Services Division, which encompasses Mental Health Services, Psychiatric Hospitalization, and Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention. The bill aims to enhance funding for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, addressing various needs within the state's behavioral health system.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of H 480 is to provide financial support for critical behavioral health services in Idaho. This includes adjustments to the budget to accommodate population forecasts, federal funding shifts, and enhancements to existing programs aimed at improving mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriations: The bill allocates an additional $261,400 to the maintenance budget for the Department of Health and Welfare for FY 2026, bringing the total budget for Behavioral Health to $146,143,800.
  • Funding Adjustments:
    • A total of $6,319,700 is moved from ongoing funding to one-time funding for the Center of Excellence program within the Division of Mental Health.
    • The bill reduces the full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the Division of Mental Health by 9.00 FTP.
  • Federal Fund Utilization: The bill allows for the use of previously awarded federal funds to support the first year of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan and includes provisions for civil commitment expenditures.
  • Transfer Limitations: It provides exemptions for transferring personnel costs and trustee payments for Mental Health Services and Psychiatric Hospitalization for both FY 2025 and FY 2026.
  • Program Restrictions: The bill prohibits the use of appropriated funds for training or programming that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, critical race theory, or similar ideologies.
  • Reporting Requirements: The Department of Health and Welfare is mandated to submit a report by January 15, 2026, exploring alternatives to the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment.

Affected Parties

  • Department of Health and Welfare: The primary agency responsible for implementing the provisions of this bill.
  • Behavioral Health Service Providers: Organizations and facilities that provide mental health and substance abuse services will be directly impacted by the funding changes.
  • Individuals in Need of Services: The bill aims to enhance services for individuals requiring mental health and substance abuse treatment, thereby potentially improving outcomes for these populations.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: April 2, 2025
  • Governor's Approval: Signed by the Governor on April 4, 2025, and designated as Session Law Chapter 303.
  • Effective Dates: Sections 9-12 of the bill became effective immediately upon signing, while Sections 1-8 will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 480 represents a significant investment in Idaho's behavioral health services, aiming to enhance funding and improve service delivery while implementing specific restrictions on the use of appropriated funds. The adjustments in staffing and funding allocations reflect the state's ongoing efforts to address mental health and substance abuse challenges effectively.

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

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