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H 246

APPROPRIATIONS – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Health and Welfare for fiscal year 2025.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 246 reallocates funds for Idaho's Commerce, Environmental Quality, and Health departments, enhancing broadband, environmental projects, and health services.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 12, 2025 Session Law Chapter 42 Effective: 03/12/2025
#appropriations #commerce #environment #healthandwelfaredepartment #scienceandtechnology
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Bill Summary · H 246

Summary of House Bill 246 (H 246)

Overview

House Bill 246, titled "Appropriations," pertains to the fiscal year 2025 budget allocations for the Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Department of Health and Welfare in Idaho. The bill was introduced on February 14, 2025, and was signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025, becoming effective immediately.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of H 246 is to make necessary adjustments to the appropriations for the aforementioned departments to ensure proper funding allocation and compliance with legislative directives. This includes reappropriating funds for broadband initiatives, transferring funds to support environmental projects, and adjusting health and welfare funding.

Key Provisions

  1. Department of Commerce Adjustments:

    • Reappropriation for Broadband Funding: Aligns reappropriated funds for broadband projects, moving money from the Commerce Program to the Broadband Office. This is a net-zero change, aimed at enhancing transparency and oversight of broadband funding.

  2. Department of Environmental Quality:

    • Transfer of Funds: Appropriates $2,000,000 from the General Fund to the DEQ General Fund. This transfer corrects a previous misallocation where funds were directed from the DEQ General Fund to the CAFO Improvement Fund.

  3. Department of Health and Welfare:

    • Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Program:
      • Reduces the appropriation by $160,000 for trustee and benefit payments but adds $160,000 for operating expenditures.
    • Physical Health Services:
      • Reduces the appropriation by $240,000 for trustee and benefit payments while adding $240,000 for operating expenditures.

  4. Emergency Declaration: The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage.

Impact

  • Broadband Initiatives: The reallocation of funds is expected to enhance the effectiveness of broadband projects in Idaho, ensuring better oversight and management.
  • Environmental Quality: The additional funding to the DEQ will support environmental projects, particularly those related to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO).
  • Health and Welfare Services: Adjustments in funding for substance abuse and physical health services aim to improve operational efficiency while ensuring that critical services remain funded.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee.
  • March 5, 2025: Passed in the Senate with a vote of 33-0-2.
  • March 12, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became effective immediately.

Conclusion

House Bill 246 is a critical piece of legislation that addresses funding adjustments across key state departments, ensuring that appropriations align with legislative intent and operational needs. The bill's swift passage reflects a consensus on the importance of these funding adjustments for Idaho's infrastructure, environment, and public health services.

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

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