WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 414

STATE BUDGET – Adds to existing law to provide for the Idaho personnel reduction act, to provide for the reporting of state employee travel expenses, and to provide for reporting of paid travel by state officials and a penalty.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 414 streamlines Idaho's government by eliminating long-vacant positions and mandates detailed reporting of state employee travel expenses for transparency.

Reported Printed and Referred to Appropriations
#acts #employersandemployees #government #reports #secretaryofstate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 414

Summary of House Bill H 414

Bill Number: H 414
Title: STATE BUDGET – Adds to existing law to provide for the Idaho personnel reduction act, to provide for the reporting of state employee travel expenses, and to provide for reporting of paid travel by state officials and a penalty.
Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Appropriations
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Acts, Employers and Employees, Government, Reports, Secretary of State

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 414 aims to enhance the efficiency of Idaho's state government by addressing personnel management and increasing transparency in state employee travel expenses. The bill establishes the Idaho Personnel Reduction Act, which mandates the identification and elimination of long-vacant state employee positions, and requires detailed reporting of travel expenses incurred by state employees and officials.

Key Provisions

1. Idaho Personnel Reduction Act

  • Vacant Position Management: State agencies must identify positions that have been vacant for over 180 days. Positions vacant for 365 days or more must be eliminated, and the agency's budget request adjusted accordingly.
  • Budget Adjustments: For positions vacant between 180 and 364 days, agencies can either eliminate the position or fill it using existing funds. This aims to streamline government operations and reduce unnecessary expenditures.

2. Reporting of State Employee Travel Expenses

  • Annual Reporting Requirement: State agencies are required to report travel expenses from the previous fiscal year as part of their annual budget submissions. This includes:
    • Total travel expenses
    • Purpose and destinations of travel
    • Detailed breakdown of costs (airfare, lodging, meals, etc.)
    • Identification of any expenses covered by external entities

3. Transparency in Travel by State Officials

  • Reporting Obligations: State officials, including candidates for statewide office, must report any out-of-state travel related to governmental purposes that is paid for by others. This excludes travel funded by campaign contributions.
  • Filing Timeline: Reports must be submitted to the Secretary of State within 30 days of returning from travel, detailing the travel's purpose, destination, and funding source.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: A late fee of $25 per day will be imposed for failure to file the required report on time, with funds directed to the public school income fund.

Impact

  • Government Efficiency: By eliminating long-vacant positions, the bill aims to reduce government size and spending, potentially leading to significant savings, although exact figures will be determined after budget submissions on September 1, 2025.
  • Increased Transparency: The reporting requirements for travel expenses are designed to foster public trust in government operations by ensuring accountability for state officials and employees.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on March 18, 2025, and has been reported printed and referred to the Appropriations Committee as of March 19, 2025.
  • An emergency clause is included, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill H 414, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential implications for state governance in Idaho.

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

Sign in to ask a question.