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Senate approves Secretary of State enhancement budget amid debate over software costs and printing of Idaho Blue Book
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 3-47, an enhancement package for the Secretary of State that includes software subscriptions, cybersecurity training and funding related to a multi-year elections software project. The vote was 23–12.
The Idaho Senate voted to pass House Bill 3-47, approving an enhancement package for the Secretary of State’s Office that includes funding for software subscriptions, cybersecurity training, and continued spending authority for a multi‑year elections upgrade project. The bill passed 23 in favor, 12 opposed.
Sponsor Sen. Tara Galloway described the package as a mix of one‑time and ongoing items intended to support election administration, business filings and public-facing systems. She told senators the office had returned money to the general fund in prior years and highlighted items including $26,000 for motor vehicle-related validation services, $45,000 for statutorily mandated printing of the Idaho Blue Book and Constitution, and subscriptions for Microsoft 365, SQL and other services used by candidates, county election officials and lobbyists.
Opponents criticized growth in the Secretary of State budget. Senator Zito said the enhancement represents 8.9% over the maintenance budget and referenced prior investments, including a multi‑year $10 million project to upgrade election systems. Senator Zito said she was hard‑pressed to support another increase after earlier large investments. Senator Groh disputed a claim of a $600 million appropriation and described the existing $10 million as one‑time, phased project costs.
Sen. Woodward and others explained that some items — such as Blue Book printing — are one‑time or biennial costs and therefore were placed in enhancements rather than the ongoing base. Supporters emphasized the security and public‑service aspects of the package: cybersecurity training for election officials, continued work on voteidaho and a new lobbyist/campaign finance reporting system. Galloway said about $2.6 million of a previously authorized $10 million had been spent to date, with roughly $7 million remaining to complete the multi‑year project.
The roll call produced 23 yes and 12 no. The Senate approved the title and returned the bill to the House.
