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H 248

APPROPRIATIONS – NATURAL RESOURCES – Relates to the maintenance appropriation to Natural Resources for fiscal year 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 248 secures funding for Idaho's natural resource departments, enhancing environmental protection, wildlife management, and public recreation services in FY 2026.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 4, 2025 Session Law Chapter 297 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 248

Summary of House Bill 248: Appropriations for Natural Resources (FY 2026)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 248 (H 248) is designed to establish the maintenance appropriations for various natural resource departments in Idaho for the fiscal year 2026. The bill aims to ensure that essential services related to environmental quality, fish and game management, parks and recreation, and water resources are adequately funded to support ongoing operations and projects.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant appropriations and provisions:

  • Appropriations to Departments: Funds are allocated to the following departments:

    • Department of Environmental Quality
    • Department of Fish and Game
    • Department of Lands
    • Department of Parks and Recreation
    • Department of Water Resources

  • Funding Adjustments: The appropriations account for:

    • Personnel benefit costs
    • Contract inflation
    • Statewide cost allocation
    • Changes in employee compensation

  • Specific Fund Transfers:

    • Transfers from the Water Pollution Control Fund to the Environmental Remediation (Basin) Fund.
    • Transfers from the Department of Environmental Quality (General) Fund to the Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Fund.

  • Reporting Requirements: The bill mandates remediation project reporting requirements to ensure accountability in the use of funds.

  • Continuous Appropriation: Certain costs for the Endowment Fund Investment Board will have a continuous appropriation, allowing for ongoing funding without the need for annual legislative approval.

  • Exemptions and Reappropriation Authority: The bill exempts the appropriation for the Forest and Range Fire Protection Program from expense class transfer limitations and provides reappropriation authority for the Capital Development Program.

Impact

The bill will primarily affect the following groups:
- State Departments: The departments receiving appropriations will be able to maintain and enhance their operations, ensuring continued service delivery in environmental protection, wildlife management, and public recreation.
- Employees: Adjustments for personnel benefits and compensation will directly impact state employees working in these departments.
- Public and Environment: The funding will support various programs that benefit the environment and public health, including water quality management, wildlife conservation, and park maintenance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Governor's Approval: Signed by the Governor on April 4, 2025
  • Effective Date: The provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.
  • Legislative Journey: The bill passed through both the House and Senate with significant support, indicating broad legislative backing for the appropriations.

In summary, H 248 is a crucial piece of legislation that ensures the continued funding and support for Idaho's natural resource management efforts, impacting both the environment and the communities that rely on these resources.

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

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