JFAC approves ITS supplemental and FY2026 modernization funding; committee adopts language directing statewide IT survey

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a one‑time FY2025 supplemental for the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and forwarded a FY2026 enhancement package that funds modernization, additional staff and hardware replacement.

Kellen McGurkin and Christopher LaHoset, Legislative Services analysts, explained ITS’s role as the central IT management office for the executive branch and summarized supplemental and enhancement requests. The FY2025 supplemental motion requested $81,700 one‑time from the general fund to purchase temporary office equipment (cubicles, chairs) to accommodate incoming employees transferred from Idaho State Police and the Department of Juvenile Corrections.

Representative Petzke moved the FY2026 enhancement package, which included funding for office space, enterprise security hardware, emergency connectivity network hardware and software, IT infrastructure, a ServiceNow project management tool, consolidation of 22 FTEs tied to transfers from Idaho State Police and Juvenile Corrections, and replacement hardware. The motion requested approximately $8.19 million from the general fund and $2.75 million from dedicated funds, and an additional 22 FTEs. Representative Petzke also requested unanimous consent to adopt language directing ITS and the Division of Financial Management to survey executive branch IT resources, services and equipment and report recommendations to the legislature; the committee accepted that language by unanimous consent.

Chairman Groh called the roll on both the supplemental and the FY2026 package. The supplemental passed with committee support; the FY2026 modernization package was approved in committee and will proceed with a due‑pass recommendation.

Why it matters: the ITS package funds consolidation and modernization of executive branch IT, a multi‑year effort to centralize technology services and improve cost efficiency across state government. The adopted language directs ITS and Division of Financial Management to produce a statewide survey and recommendations to inform further consolidation decisions.

Quote: Representative Petzke asked for unanimous consent on the language: “I request unanimous consent to accept the language as shown on the screen.” Committee members raised no objection and the language was accepted.

Next steps: the package and directing language will be included with JFAC’s due‑pass recommendation and proceed to floor consideration.