House passes funding package to update inspection division gear and boost inspector pay
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Summary
Senate Bill 11 77, a one-time and ongoing funding package for the Division of Building Safety’s vehicle and IT needs and a modest ongoing pay increase for inspector positions, passed the House after discussion about turnover and impacts to project timelines.
The Idaho House on March 25 approved Senate Bill 11 77, a funding package for the Division of Building Safety that includes one-time dedicated funds for vehicles and technology and a modest ongoing pay increase for inspector positions.
What the bill does: The one-time enhancements include replacement of approximately 23 vehicles and procurement of IT hardware (laptops, docking stations, routers) recommended by the division’s IT staff. The package also includes an ongoing pay increase totaling about $222,000 that the sponsor said equates to roughly a $0.95 per hour raise for about 92 inspector positions.
Why it matters: Committee and industry witnesses told lawmakers the division experiences high turnover — exit interviews pointed to pay — and that permit and inspection delays can add months and significant costs to construction projects. Supporters said the dedicated funds come from fees and not general funds and that replacing vehicles and reducing turnover will help the state “move at the speed of business.”
Debate and vote: Some members expressed concern about any growth in government spending; supporters said the request is modest, fee-funded, and addresses operational bottlenecks. The House approved the bill 42 ayes, 26 nays, 2 absent/excused.
Implementation notes: The sponsor said the bill contains no new full‑time positions and that the division will monitor cash balances in boards and commissions to check fee levels as required by other legislation.