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H 413

STATE BUDGET – Adds to existing law to provide for the Idaho personnel reduction act and to provide for the reporting of state employee travel expenses.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 413 streamlines Idaho government by cutting vacant positions over 365 days and enhancing transparency in state employee travel expenses, promoting efficiency.

Introduced, read first time; referred to: Finance
#acts #employersandemployees #government #reports
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Bill Summary · H 413

Summary of House Bill H 413: Idaho Personnel Reduction Act and Reporting of State Employee Travel Expenses

Bill Number: H 413
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Status: Introduced, read first time; referred to Finance
Subject: Acts, Employers and Employees, Government, Reports

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 413 aims to enhance the efficiency of Idaho state government operations by implementing measures to reduce unnecessary personnel costs and improve transparency in state employee travel expenses. The bill introduces the Idaho Personnel Reduction Act, which mandates state agencies to evaluate and report on vacant positions and their associated costs, as well as to provide detailed accounts of employee travel expenditures.

Key Provisions

1. Idaho Personnel Reduction Act (Section 67-3520)

  • Vacant Position Identification: State agencies must identify all employee positions that have been vacant for at least 180 days by September 1 each year.
  • Elimination of Positions: Positions that have been vacant for 365 days or more must be eliminated, and the corresponding budget for salaries and benefits must be reduced.
  • Funding for Remaining Vacancies: For positions vacant between 180 and 364 days, agencies can either eliminate the position or fill it using existing funds.
  • Reporting Requirements: Agencies must include detailed information in their annual budget submissions, including:
    • Job title and description of each vacant position
    • Length of vacancy
    • Funding sources available for filling the position
    • Reasons for the vacancy

2. Reporting of State Employee Travel Expenses (Section 67-3520A)

  • Annual Reporting Requirement: Agencies must report travel expenses from the previous fiscal year as part of their annual budget submissions.
  • Detailed Breakdown: The report must include:
    • Total travel expenses
    • Purpose and destinations of travel
    • Itemized costs (airfare, mileage, lodging, etc.)
    • Dates of travel
    • Any expenses covered by external entities

Impact

  • Government Efficiency: The bill is designed to streamline state government operations by eliminating unneeded positions and ensuring that agencies operate within their demonstrated capacity.
  • Cost Savings: By reducing the number of vacant positions and improving oversight of travel expenses, the bill is expected to lower overall government spending, although specific savings amounts will not be known until budget requests are submitted on September 1, 2025.
  • Transparency: Enhanced reporting requirements aim to foster greater accountability regarding state employee travel, potentially leading to further cost reductions.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 18, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Rules Committee for printing.
  • March 21, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 24, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 65-4-1.
  • March 25, 2025: Received by the Senate for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill H 413 represents a significant step towards improving the efficiency and accountability of Idaho's state government by addressing personnel management and travel expense reporting. The implementation of these provisions is expected to lead to better resource allocation and increased public trust in government operations.

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

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